I didn’t meet Audrey myself, but I wish I had. There was something in the way Scott Harkness (her husband) spoke about her that made me feel like I had. Every detail he shared painted a vivid picture of her vision—one so full of life, art, and community that I could almost see her spirit still present, lingering in the very bricks of the Muskoka Foundry.
I first met Scott when I approached him with the idea of hosting the Three Fires International Film Festival at the Foundry. It was the perfect space—a historic building with high ceilings, vast open rooms, and a character that could transport you back through decades of Muskoka’s industrial past. But beyond its raw beauty, there was something deeper that drew me in, something I couldn’t quite put my finger on until Scott started telling me about Audrey.
As I sat with him, listening to the stories, he shared how Audrey had always dreamed of turning the Foundry into a space where art and community could thrive. They had purchased the building back in 2015, embarking on a journey to restore its structure and breathe new life into its history. To her, it wasn’t just about bricks and mortar; it was about creating a place where people could gather, celebrate, and connect through art and creativity.
When Scott told me about the early days, I could sense how much love and determination it took to transform the Foundry. He talked about the challenges they faced, from regulations to the painstaking process of preserving the building’s heritage. Together, they pushed for the vision even when things felt impossible.
It struck me then that this wasn’t just a space for events; this was Audrey’s legacy.
As the director of the Three Fires International Film Festival, I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling—stories that connect us to our past while shaping our future. When Scott spoke about Audrey’s vision, I knew we had found the perfect partner. It wasn’t just about hosting a film festival in an incredible space; it was about honoring the dream of a woman who understood the importance of both history and the arts, and weaving that dream into the fabric of Muskoka’s future.
This year, we’ve partnered with Muskoka Arts and Crafts to bring Audrey’s vision to life in the most beautiful way possible. The Foundry will host not only the festival but also a curated art exhibition, showcasing the incredible talent of local artists. It’s a space where filmmakers and artists can come together to share their work, to create, and to inspire. We’re bringing to life the dream that Audrey had for the Foundry—a dream of it becoming a hub for creative expression and community connection.
The spirit of this place is undeniable. As you walk through the doors of the Foundry, you can feel the history in its walls. It’s a place that has seen many lives, from its days as the Dominion Linen Mill, to its transformation under the McKay family, to now—an arts and culture haven that Audrey and Scott worked so hard to create.
For me, being part of this journey is more than just organizing an event. It’s about fulfilling the vision of a woman I never had the chance to meet but who has left an indelible mark on this town and on the arts. It’s about bringing filmmakers, artists, and audiences together in a space that symbolizes creativity, resilience, and hope. Every moment of the festival will be a tribute to the work she began and the community that now surrounds it. It’s more than a film festival or an art exhibit—it’s the continuation of something beautiful that began years ago, when Audrey and Scott looked at an old, forgotten building and saw a future full of life, art, and connection.
Three Fires International Film Festival:
The Three Fires International Film Festival (3FIFF) is set to take place from October 10-12, 2024, at the historic Muskoka Foundry in Bracebridge, Ontario. This year’s event promises to be a vibrant convergence of global filmmaking, local artistry, and cultural celebration.
For full program and tickets please visit www.3fiff.ca
About Muskoka Foundry:
Originally built in 1903, the Muskoka Foundry was once home to the Dominion Linen Mill and later became an industrial foundry. After decades of dormancy, the building was purchased in 2015 by Scott Harkness and Audrey van Petegem, who transformed the space into a dynamic arts and events venue while preserving its rich industrial heritage. Today, the Foundry is a hub for cultural events, weddings, live performances, and community engagement.
About Muskoka Arts & Crafts:
Founded in 1963, Muskoka Arts & Crafts is one of the oldest and most respected arts organizations in Ontario. With a mission to inspire, foster, and promote the arts in Muskoka, the organization serves as a vital cultural resource for local artists and the broader community.
Melissa Pole, Founder of Three Fires International Film Festival
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox so you don’t miss anything!
Click here to support local news
Join the discussion: