Huntsville Festival of the Arts (HfA) celebrates its 30th anniversary this year with 30 shows and events lined up for its summer season.
Among those are several public art projects, including the return of the Group of Seven canoe murals and the popular Play Me, I’m All Yours piano.
HfA executive director Dan Watson was before Huntsville’s general committee seeking the municipality’s support via free use of public spaces for these projects.
“Our public art activities are…free and they’re an accessible point of contact that can spark the interest in appreciation in the arts, which is part of our mandate. We also feel that some of these public art activities enhance the visitor experience and Huntsville’s brand as a creative community and they contribute greatly to the cultural vibrancy of our town,” said Watson.
The art projects planned for this year are:
- Group of Seven canoe murals: Artist Gerry Lantaigne, who initiated the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery, will lead a group of other local artists in the creation of seven more canoe murals between June 21‐26 in River Mill Park. The 2021 canoe murals will be on display in the park from June 1-30, followed by the new 2022 murals from June 27 through October 1.
- Kareen’s wellie garden: This garden, featuring painted boots filled with flowers, was created by friends of Kareen Burns in her memory. Burns was a former member of the HfA board of directors and a strong advocate for the arts, in particular fringe activities. The boots will be displayed at the pergola gardens in River Mill Park from June 1 to October 1.
- Play Me, I’m All Yours piano: A working piano will be painted by local artists Natasha and Naomi Banks, in a motif celebrating the HfA’s 30th anniversary. The piano is placed in Civic Square in front of the Algonquin Theatre from May 20 to September 30 for any passerby to play.
“We’re really thankful for the partnership that we have with the Town of Huntsville in so many respects,” said Watson. “It’s a model for how arts organizations and municipalities can work together.”
Several councillors expressed support for the projects, as well as the overall work the not-for-profit Festival does in the community.
“I truly believe these are the things that makes Huntsville punch above its weight,” said Deputy Mayor Nancy Alcock, echoing a comment made by a friend who visited Huntsville and HfA’s Snow Village last winter.
Councillors Brian Thompson, Tim Withey, and Jonathan Wiebe also said they support the art initiatives.
“I want to thank the Festival and yourself for the things that you do, especially the free things you do for the community,” said Mayor Karin Terziano. “That’s a benefit to everybody and I think any way we can help with that, we should.”
Committee agreed to waive the park permit fees for these projects.
HfA has 22 shows scheduled at the Algonquin Theatre in July and August this year, noted Watson, in addition to shows at other venues and events in the community, including the return of Nuit Blanche North on July 23.
For more information, visit huntsvillefestival.ca.
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