Eva Antonel
Even though I strive to live in the
proverbial moment, this time of year makes
it more difficult than ever not to look forward
to all the upcoming opportunities to view
local artisans at work. Spring seems to bring
them out of their hibernating studios, where
they've spent the last several months bringing
their visions to life and preparing for the
onslaught of curious onlookers.
Between Art in the Park, Art by the River,
farmers markets and night markets, it
appears there are countless occasions to view
and hopefully purchase some unique pieces,
painstakingly crafted by local artists and
craftsmen. All year long, but particularly
between the months of May and December,
they add the final touches, polish their display
cases, pack up their wares and head to where
the people are. And, the people, like most
creatures big and small, head out of the
confines of their winter burrows and head for
sunlight and open air.
No lover of our unique and fair city
worth his or her salt needs to be reminded of
the importance of buying local. Encouraging
shoppers to spend their money locally is not
specific to our region and countless articles
have been written expounding the economic
spin offs of supporting local businesses. Mom
and pop grow a head of lettuce, sell it to their
neighbour whose health benefits from
consuming fresh, in season produce while
being kind to the environment by foregoing
the need to ship food grown elsewhere from
having to be trucked all over the globe. Mom
and pop now have an x number of dollars to
spend locally and thus support other local
businesses. And the cycle continues resulting
Here are some upcoming summer festivals and events
where you’ll encounter artisans displaying their talents
Art in the Park June 3 & 4
Art by the River August 26 & 27
Art at the Marina July 1 & 2
Carrousel of the Nations June 16 - 25
Walkerville Art Walk and Rock July 21
in a strong and healthy community.
Supporting local artisans does all that
and more. Lettuce is lettuce, and you'd be
hard pressed to differentiate between one
grown in Leamington from one grown in
Listowel. Pieces of art, whether created from
clay, silver or yarn, in your neighbour's studio,
kitchen or garage carry the imprint of the
maker in each unique piece. No two items are
ever the same and the individuality of each
piece is what makes it even more desirable. A
community after all, is a collection of the
unique aspects of its inhabitants. Our artists
and their talents are the flavour of our region
and encouraging those sparks of creativity
with our hard earned dollar allows that
climate to thrive. But, besides all the logical
reasons to support local creative talent,
remains the fact that you'll want to purchase
one or more pieces, simply because you'll love
what you see.
How do you support local artists?
Tweet us @TheHubWE #artmatters
May 2017 - The HUB 9