Since its inception, LOWAC has emerged as the voice for community arts in the Kenora area.
There have been many great moments in this proud history that inspired artists, residents and visitors of all ages to reimagine different aspects of art as it is often inspired by life in lake country.
Muskies on Main
Move over Husky, there’s a new game in town! That was the message in the summer of 2014 when LOWAC encouraged artists and residents of all ages from the area to use whatever durable materials they wished to handcraft a Muskie as part of a community art project celebrating our deep connection to the Lake of the Woods. The response was outstanding, and an eclectic array of muskies decorated the Harbourfront throughout the summer. The new “seasonal residents” of the waterfront were unveiled at a large opening ceremony complete with dignitaries and Indigenous drummers and singers who provided a warm Treaty #3 welcome.
Dip, Dip and Swing
Planning began on the heels of Muskies on Main for another major community arts project, set to launch during Canada’s 150th birthday and the Canada Summer Games in 2017. It all began when Kenora Rowing Club donated a double scull, to be painted by the community in celebration of Kenora’s hosting of the Rowing Events and the opening of the Path of the Paddle Trans Canada Trail canoe route from Thunder Bay to the Whiteshell. The exhibit featured painted canoes and paddles, all created by local artists and citizens of all ages, as well as some indoor pieces in businesses. Oars, also donated by the Rowing Club were displayed in a vertical position on the outer fence of the tennis courts facing the main Garrow Beach parking lot n July. The oars were auctioned at the Canada Games event, held that July with proceeds split equally between the artist, the rowing club, and LOWAC.
ArtsFest
Community art projects for all ages, street level exhibits and performances, face painting and fundraising have all made “appearances” during ArtsFest, LOWAC’s flagship event that has been held throughout the years. In 2016, ArtsFest included painting the double scull donated by the Kenora Rowing Club (see above), as part of a collaborative community arts project that took place under the Whitecap during the Matiowski summer markets that July, culminating at ArtsFest that year. In 2019 artists again gathered under the tents during Harbourfest. After a 3 year hiatus due to the pandemic, ArtsFest was staged bigger and better than ever on the grounds of The Muse – Lake of the Woods Museum and Douglas Family Art Centre. It has continued to be presented successfully with all the “magic” of this location for the past few years.
Festival of Trees
Over the years, LOWAC members have collaborated and created unique, art-inspired decorations for the LOWAC tree at the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation’s annual Festival of Trees fundraiser. The collaborations have on occasion included learning a new art form for the handcrafted ornaments that have always set LOWAC’s art-inspired trees apart tree apart, attracting some of the highest bids.
Picture This!
When plans for a world-class arts centre in Kenora first began, it was no surprise that several of our members got involved, putting together a fundraising social that would give the arts and broader communities the opportunity to contribute to this large capital project. The evening was full of activity; socializing, good food and drink, a live auction and wonderful art and musical entertainment. It was enjoyed by all who attended. There were three well known Kenora artists painting “live”, four musical groups performing and near the end of the event a live auction of the artist’s works including a felt hanging donated by members of LOWAC. This was the beginning of our ongoing relationship with the new Douglas Family Art Centre and The Muse.
Businesses (restaurants, retail outlets, hair dressers, etc.) had been contacted and many generously donated services and/or goods to the raffle table. Each donation was partnered with art donated by LOWAC members to emphasize the business and arts community “coming together” to support this project. Over $7,000 was raised.
War Bride Exhibit
LOWAC has a longstanding relationship with the Lake of the Woods Museum, having partnered in many ways including the creation of a temporary art exhibit honouring Kenora’s War Brides. An artist from LOWAC was paired with a war bride and after meeting with the bride and hearing their story, each artist produced a work to reflect the bride’s experience. The exhibit included mixed media pieces, installations, paintings, jewellery, and hand-made books. The Museum’s executive director, Lori Nelson also interviewed each bride and wrote up the stories, which accompanied the exhibit in an exhibition catalogue. It was a beautiful way to honour these very brave women.
Kenora Winter Carnival
LOWAC is the lead sponsor of the Kenora Winter Carnival, which inspires a number of dedicated souls who create magnificent tributes to all that is winter in Kenora.
Caring for Community
Fun Mondays were an opportunity for artists to get together, share skills and enjoy camaraderie. We also make a gift of art annually to the Miracle Marathon in support of the Salvation Army. Other ways we’ve provided arts leadership is through hosting numerous smaller art exhibits, which offer participants an opportunity to grow as artists. We have also partnered with the Northwest Business Development Centre to host a series of workshops on the business end of art.
Coney Island Music Festival
LOWAC has been an active participant for many years during the Coney Island Music Festival, where our artists took face painting to a new level. Artists displayed their work and raffles supported LOWAC’s ongoing activities.
Workshops and Arts@Home
LOWAC supports the development of artists from all disciplines and art in all forms in the community. Prior to the shutdowns during COVID 19, LOWAC presented workshops from all disciplines.
When COVID hit, and we envisioned we wouldn’t be able to gather for some time, we launched Arts@Home, which saw a full array of artists from all disciplines demonstrating, teaching and performing their art practices via Zoom. Award-winning novelist Joan Thomas was our first live performance in over two years and her lively, insightful presentation met with great applause.
