July 13, 2022
Kenora, Ontario—ARTSFEST, the flagship event of Lake of the Woods Arts Community (LOWAC) is back, bigger and better than ever, after a two-year COVID hiatus. Exhibitors and performers from all over Lake of The Woods region and Winnipeg will be showing their “stuff” on the grounds of The Muse – the Lake of the Woods Museum and Douglas Family Art Centre at Memorial Park, 300 Main Street South, Kenora. The two-day arts extravaganza is hosted by LOWAC in partnership with The Muse.
“What we have learned as an arts organization over the last few years is the importance of the arts in difficult times,” said Leanne Fournier, LOWAC Chair. “It is our hope with this festival, that we can provide a space for our amazing arts community to celebrate how art brings people together.”
The festival is open to everyone in the community and admission is free.
Waakebiness traditional drum will lead opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. on Friday with prayers by Elder Jeanette Skead of Wauzushk Onigum.
Friday main stage performances include harpist Olivia Whiddon, Here & Now Theatre Arts, TrypTych Concert and Opera, and Sunset Swing Band. Friday will also include a fashion walk throughout the site, showcasing creations by Indigenous artist Evelyn Finlayson. Saturday kicks off with Cecil Burns on bagpipes, followed by harpist, Esme Boone, Here & Now, Enchanté acapella group, and Storm Bay Project Jazz Band.
Twenty exhibitors from many different disciplines – painting, writing, digital media, beading, pottery, sculpture, fashion, and jewelry – will have their work available for display and sale along with some artist demonstrations over the two days of the festival.
“This will include a clay throwing demonstration on the pottery wheel by Keifer Floreal, beading with Jena Brisson, button making by Phynix L. Caskey, writer’s workshops, painting, and much more,” said Aimee Baldwin, also a coordinator.
“As a community arts organization, LOWAC is dedicated to showcasing work from all stages of practice, whether you are an emerging artist or a long-time veteran of the arts,” said Leanne Fournier.
“We are also dedicated to community engagement with the arts and will have a Kids Zone with a plethora of activities,” added Baldwin. “This includes facepainting, mural making, hand-made crafts and a chalk mural being led by Kenora Association of Community Living.”
Everette Fournier shared that bringing people of all ages to the site to experience the arts is a primary goal. “Our hope is that these activities transform the grounds of The Muse into an arts village for all creatives to come together and try something new!”
Admission to The Muse – Museum and Art Centre – will be by donation during the festival. The Muse is also running some community arts activities.
All main stage performances will be livestreamed on the LOWAC Facebook page and YouTube channel.
The latest updates about all the exhibitor and performers can be found at lowac.ca/artsfest.
ARTSFEST 2022 would not be possible without the generous support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation, Kenora Hospitality Alliance, The Muse, City of Kenora, and numerous other community and media partners.
Media Contact
Leanne Fournier, Chair
Lake of the Woods Arts Community
Email: president@lowac.ca
807-407-9045
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