Eva Antonel
It's hard to think about the month of
June in Windsor and not think about Art in
the Park. The iconic arts-and-crafts festival
has been drawing crowds to the city since
1970 and continues to grow in vendor
participation and attendance.
Countless artists and artisans from as far
as Quebec and Michigan view Art in the Park
as their premier opportunity to showcase
their talents. The planning committee spends
all year from the close of one festival to the
opening of the next, making sure that artists
as well as festival participants find the event
well worth their efforts.
What started as several booths manned
by local artists has grown to a festival
showcasing fine arts, crafts, music, food,
poetry readings and dance. If there are other
art forms that I may have missed, they are
most likely represented too. The Rotary Club,
which has been making this event possible
for the last several decades, also uses a part
of the proceeds to benefit local charitable
organizations. Art in the Park has become a
local institution, culturally as well as
economically.
But when it comes to the bottom line, if
it weren't for the art, the festival would be
groundless. What seems like an impromptu
gathering of talented individuals willing to
share their vision and labour of love is often
in actuality a compilation of their life's work.
Countless hours, months and in most cases
years are spent honing their craft before you
happen upon it at Willistead Park. And, when
you have made your purchases or walked by
without giving them another thought, the
majority will return to their studios to
continue pursuing their art.
Fortunately, here in Windsor-Essex,
there are many opportunities to view the
artist at work between the first weekend of
June from one year to the next. We are lucky
to have several galleries, studios and artists’
Art Galleries, Studios and co-ops that are open to the public and happy
to welcome curious visitors. Away from the
Artist Co-ops in
throngs that attend Art in the Park, we are
Windsor-Essex
often able to meet and chat with the artist and
view a wider selection of their work as well
(click the names for info)
as work in progress. If we happen to drop by
at the right time, we may even get a glimpse
Art Gallery of Windsor
of the process of creation itself.
Art Galia
Unless you're the creative type, it's hard
Art In Deed
to imagine the time and sacrifice it takes to
Art Speak Gallery
produce a piece worthy of purchase. The
Artcite
inspiration, planning and execution often
take countless hours, many misses, false
Back Room Gallery Artist's
starts and redirection. Finally, when the stars
Co-Op
line up just right, when the artist's vision is
Capricorn Pottery Studio
reflected in their skill and talent, the final
Common Ground Art Gallery piece, whether it be a painting, a piece of
of Windsor
prose, a swath of fabric or a piece of blown
Julia's Art Studio
glass, sings with purpose and completeness.
But even at its peak of perfection, it only
Mudpuppy Gallery,
speaks to those who are in tune with the
Amherstburg
artist's vision. This is the plight of the artist.
Nancy Johns Gallery &
Unlike mass-produced items designed purely
Framing
for function with a smattering of mass appeal
Self-Guided Artist Studio Tour thrown in for good measure, handmade
pieces reflect the artist as well. Function is
Tsunami GlassWorks
always a primary consideration, but so is
Walkerville Artists Co-op
Windsor Printmaker's Forum their interpretation of it. Despite the piece's
subjective appeal, communicating that
concept to those who share the insight needs
Click here to see Tsunami
to be a reward in itself.
You owe it to yourself to delve into the
creative life of an artist beyond what
you glimpse at a three-day art festival.
Here are a few places in Windsor-Essex
that make this endeavor possible all
year round.
GlassWorks in action!
How do you support local artists?
Tweet us @TheHubWE #artmatters
June 2015 - The HUB 9