Two opportunities exist for Muskoka’s visual artists through Festival of the Arts

Press release with Chris O. super-edits

If there is one thing that can be counted on, other than death and taxes, it’s the Huntsville Festival of the Arts finding ways to support local creatives in the community.

Whether through youth programs, live performances on stage, or through community events like the En Plein Air Art Market and the Emily Carr Canoe Mural Projects.

Both events are taking place in June and the Festival has issued a call for artists who are interested in participating.

The second annual En Plein Air Art Market, which is a revamp of the original En Plein Air event run by Kelly Holinshead of Shutterbug Art Gallery, takes place on June 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at River Mill Park in Downtown Huntsville with a live auction taking place at 4 p.m.

The market features local artists, live outdoor painting, and music with up to 20 local artists featuring a variety of creative works – from images to jewellry – with something for everyone’s taste and budget.

The extension of the original En Plein Air concept comes into play with participating artists and local dignitaries painting during the day and auctioning off those same-day works at 4 p.m.

Proceeds from the auction go towards the Kareen Burn Visual Arts Scholarship supporting a local student studying visual arts-related studies in a post-secondary institution or program.

The application deadline to participate as a vendor at En Plein Air is May 10, 2024 at 5 p.m. with acceptance emails and invoices being sent on May 17.

To apply, click on: En Plein Air Application.

Emily Carr Canoe Mural Project

Six select artists will be joining renowned muralist Gerry Lantaigne to create original canoe murals inspired by and celebrating the work of Emily Carr.

They will be painting the underside of a canoe in River Mill Park the week of June 10 to 15, 2024.

The canoes will continue to be exhibited for free in the park until the fall of 2024, after which they will be donated to the Algonquin Outfitters Paddle Art Auction, which raises thousands of dollars for Ontario arts and culture organizations.

Over the past three years, the canoes included in the Algonquin Outfitters Paddle Art Auction have helped raise over $25,000 for several local arts and cultural organizations.

Proposals and applications are being accepted now through May 17, 2024 at 5 p.m. and the HFA is encouraging all artists to enter a submission.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Through the application process, artists will be asked to identify which Emily Carr painting they would like to feature in their mural.

Selected artists will then work with Artist Gerry Lantaigne to choose a painting by their preferred artist to work with. Each artist will be provided with a canoe, paint (we use oil based marine paint) a $1000 honorarium, and support as needed on working with the paint and canoe medium.

Apply here: Emily Carr Canoe Mural Project.