Eva Antonel
Ahh…art festivals. You could say they're
the mainstay of summer but here in
Windsor-Essex we also have our share in the
fall, leading right up to Christmas. Whatever
the season, it's a great time to get out to see
what the creative lot among us have been up
to while the rest of us were Facebooking or
watching our favourite TV shows.
It seems to me that the best ones, the
ones I look forward to visiting every year, are
the ones held outdoors. There's nothing like
nature as a backdrop to the handiwork of a
creative soul. Whether it's jewellery, pottery,
handmade clothing or photography, it seems
to take on a whole different vibe when shown
against Mother Nature's own creative hand.
Art in the Park, one of our iconic and most
loved summer festivals, is blessed to be
located in one of the most picturesque parks
in the city. The well-tended grounds
surrounding the historic Chandler Walker
Estate look like they were made to welcome
the throngs that arrive every spring. Like
colourful birds returning to their summer
homes, the masses ebb and flow in their
quest to embellish their winter-worn
wardrobes and abodes.
It's quite a feat, then, when Art by the
River managed to rival its younger yet bigger
cousin in the setting department. Situated on
the shores of the Detroit River, in the historic
Town of Amherstburg, it offers tranquil views
and a unique landscape whether you're
scouring the artists’ booths or simply taking
a break. Not only is it located along the water's
edge but it also happens to be on the grounds
of the legendary Fort Malden. Deep ravines,
formerly embankments, play equal roles with
the river in offering festivalgoers a place to
appreciate the natural while taking in the
historical. The atmosphere here is quite
different. Perhaps it's the time of year or
maybe the location itself that lends an air of
gentle tranquility and wistful relaxation. As if
in preparation for darker and colder days
ahead, festivalgoers seem to savour the
waning warmth of the sun while on the
subconscious lookout for things to winterize
their nests.
It was my pleasure to visit both events
this year and I was equally happy to cavort
with like-minded souls at Willistead Park as
well as Fort Malden. It's only the beginning
of September but I'm already making mental
notes to have a closer look at a few stalls I
didn't spend enough time in while there.
Lucky for me, there are several more events
between now and then. They may not be held
outdoors, but maybe the lack of beautiful
scenery will allow me to focus more on the
art at hand. Here are a few art festivals coming
up in the months ahead:
BookFest Windsor, Oct. 15-17 and Nov. 18
Windsor International Film Festival,
Nov. 3-8
Artilicious, Nov. 3-8
The Holiday Gift Show, Nov. 15
How do you support local artists?
Tweet us @TheHubWE #artmatters
September 2015 - The HUB 9