Second annual Huntsville ART CRAWL starts today

Submitted by Huntsville Festival of the Arts

The Huntsville Festival of the Arts (HfA) is thrilled to announce the 2nd Annual Huntsville ART CRAWL running from June 1-30 in Downtown Huntsville, Muskoka.

Initially launched in 2021 as a COVID-safe initiative, the Huntsville ART CRAWL is a free self-guided art tour through businesses and venues throughout downtown Huntsville. This year’s event has grown, featuring over 60 local artists, 32 different venues, and a number of special events. See the full list of participants at huntsvilleartcrawl.ca.

Visitors are encouraged pick up a map from any downtown business (or download from huntsvilleartcrawl.ca) and create their own ART CRAWL experience by touring local businesses, galleries, and studios, which will feature exhibits, demos, and interactive experiences by local artists. Artwork will be available for participants to purchase during the event. Proceeds will go to participating artists, with a portion of sale directly supporting the business the art is featured in. Get your map stamped at five venues, and you’ll be entered into a draw for a fabulous prize package. The first 30 visitors will automatically receive $25 Downtown Dollars that can be spent in business downtown.

“We’re so pleased to bring this event back again this year.” says Dan Watson, executive director of HfA. “The CRAWL is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the work of our talented local artists, support local businesses, have fun with friends and family, and explore Downtown Huntsville’s beautiful new streetscape design.”

This year’s ART CRAWL includes a number of special events:

• Wednesday Walkabouts: An organized group walk every Wednesday in Downtown Huntsville to explore and enjoy the Huntsville Art Crawl. At 5 p.m., individuals will gather at the HfA Studio located at 58 Main St. (entrance across from River Mill Park) before beginning a tour of various stops on the Huntsville Art Crawl and ending at a local restaurant or bar for drinks and appetizers. There will be lots of fun surprises along the way including visits from participating artists, prizes, music and more. Anyone interested in joining the walks can register online at huntsvilleartcrawl.ca or call 705-788-2787.
• Saturday Demos: Join artists in the moment as they paint and create ‘en plein air’. Demos will take place in different downtown locations each Saturday in June from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. (On June 25, our Group of Seven Canoe Mural Paintings begin. There will be no Saturday Demo on this day.)
• Landed Arts Festival: HfA joins forces with local artists to present the 3^rd annual Landed Arts Festival: a four day celebration of art & music inspired by nature at the beautiful Hillside Farm (2295 Hwy 60) from June 15-18. Featuring visual art by Neil Sternberg, Pam Carnochan, Elise Muller, Rob Stimpson, Marike MacDonald, Helena Renwick, Elizabeth Johnson, Janine Marson & Carolyne Wagland. Craft Beer & Beverages from Canvas Brewery will be available on site. Visit www.landedartsfestival.com for more information.
• The special event also features a concert series with MORE BARN!: The Music of Neil Young (led by Tobin Spring) on June 15 & 16, swinging hot jazz & tango from Annabelle Chvostek on June 17 and  multiple award winning folk artist Abigail Lapell on June 18.
• Group of Seven Canoe Murals: From June 20-26, Artist Gerry Lantaigne will lead a group of local artists in the creation of 7 more canoe murals featuring the work the Group of Seven. Now in its third year, artists will paint the canoes “en plein air” during a week-long event in Downtown Huntsville’s River Mill Park. Artists to be confirmed. Engage with the artists while you watch the beautiful paintings being created! Once completed, these canoes will be displayed in Downtown Huntsville as part of the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery Tour and eventually included in the Algonquin Outfitters Paddle Art Auction.
• Community Living Art Auction: Community Living Huntsville’s Artists for Inclusion online art auction supports Community Living’s Transitional Housing program. The online auction closes July 4 at 8pm. https://app.galabid.com/clhuntsville-2022

The CRAWL is made possible with generous support from the Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association, the Huntsville Downtown BIA, and community partners the Huntsville Art Society & Muskoka Unlimited.

For further information and updates, please visit huntsvillefestival.ca or huntsvilleartcrawl.ca

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