FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kenora, Ontario, Oct. 14, 2021: Lake of the Woods Arts Community (LOWAC) is pleased to announce that its popular Arts@Home program is returning for a second season. The 2021-2022 program will run from this October through to June 2022 and will feature monthly performances and workshops encompassing all creative disciplines.
“We were once again really happy with the response we received,” said Leanne Fournier, Chair, LOWAC. “We have a mix of some of the tried and true favourites from last year like Aimee Baldwin, Irene McCuaig, Olivia Whiddon and the Muse, along with a host of first-time presenters.” The lineup includes everything from coil pottery, harp making, song writing, and writing practice, to a Celtic harp concert, gallery framing, and painting. The full schedule and registration details are available at lowac.ca/artshome.
Arts@Home started in 2020 when LOWAC, an arts hub in NW Ontario, recognized how hard the arts community was being affected by COVID-19—an impact that is still being felt, particularly in more remote communities. “Even with the restrictions lessening, many people continue to prefer digital options for their arts exploration,” said Fournier. Arts@Home allows people to join from anywhere to experiment with new art forms, have some fun, connect with other arts enthusiasts, and experience some quality free entertainment.”
The season kicks off on Wednesday, October 20, when tactile artisan Aimee Baldwin, Moon in June Studio, will conduct an interactive coil built vessels (pottery) workshop. Baldwin is a returning presenter from Arts@Home’s first season.
“I’m really happy the program is returning,” said Baldwin. “During the workshop I did last year you could feel the excitement of people coming together to be creative but also to enjoy each other’s company.”
Visual artist Irene McCuaig, another returning presenter, agrees. “Artisans of all levels of experience want a safe place where they can go and learn something new and connect with other art lovers. LOWAC is helping to fill a gap that is continuing even though COVID restrictions are loosening up.”
Additional sessions are being planned, thanks to funding LOWAC recently received through the Ontario Arts Council’s Northern Arts Projects grant. A second call for artists will be going out soon.
Arts@Home is also once again funded by the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation.
“We are very grateful for the funding we’ve received,” said Fournier. “It shows that there’s recognition of how important the arts have been for people throughout the pandemic and it’s helping LOWAC fulfill our mandate of bringing people together through the arts. ”
Watch for updates at lowac.ca/artshome or email lowacdirectors@gmail.com.
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For more information:
Leanne Fournier, Chair, LOWAC
807-407-9045