Art on the Street

From Arts in Guelph- July/August, 2003

by Anna Contini

Over the years, downtown Guelph has had its share of arts festivals -- Streetfest, the Guelph Arts Festival, Guelphfest and Studio Tours, and for several years the Guelph Multicultural Festival even took place here. This summer the first annual art on the street will bring together many of the finest aspects of its predecessors to present a multi-disciplinary arts exhibition and sale. The free event will take place on Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in a vibrant, festival atmosphere in downtown Guelph.

Occupying all of Wyndham Street (north of Cork), Quebec Street and St. George's Square, the arts event will include an art exhibition and sale as well as several performance areas featuring music, theatre, dance, and spoken word. Participants will have the opportunity to join in a variety of arts workshops and children's activities. There will also be an information area where local arts groups will be able to promote themselves.

The project is being spearheaded by the Guelph Downtown Board of Management which approached various arts groups in the area with the idea of creating a festival that focuses on visual art. "Our intent is to introduce the arts and our many fine artists to the broader community," says Dave Paisley, Downtown Board Manager. "We also wanted to bring back many of the hands-on family-oriented activities that were part of the Guelph Spring Festival's Streetfest," he adds. The Guelph Arts Festival summer event that has taken place for the past three years will also be incorporated.

The main focal point of art on the street will be visual arts such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, stained glass, weaving, and embroidery. This is an opportunity for the public to meet their favourite local artists and for artists to present their wares to the public, says Julia Grady, co-chair of the event steering committee. She expects that between 60 and 100 local artists will be involved. Two special workshops are already in place: Pearl van Geest will offer a painting workshop, while Line Dufour will lead participants in a tapestry and weaving session.

For fine artists, performing artists and people of all ages, art on the street is not to be missed. For more information, contact the Guelph Downtown Board of Management (519) 836-6144.