Oct. 2 update:
Organizers say Arts on the Park drew a total of 879 people, up 8 per cent over last year.
Original story:
The ninth annual Arts on the Trail in Elliot Lake is a wrap. On Sept. 30, hundreds of art enthusiasts dispersed to three locations to view different forms of art. The community could purchase their favourite display in support of local artists.
The artists came from areas such as Sault Ste. Marie, North Shore, Sudbury, Elliot Lake, St. Joseph’s Island, and as far as southern Ontario, and they expressed their personalities with different forms of art, such as paintings, photography, ceramics and jewelry.
Local artist Joanne Nicholls said she became involved with art in 2011 after she turned her hobby into business. She is the owner of Colibri Etching and Stone Carving.
“I started with cream,” she said. “I came across this sand blasting site and thought it was pretty cool. I decided to go all out and get the equipment for this business and that’s what I do today.”
Visiting from North Bay for the weekend, Andre Pelletier said this “was one of the greatest shows I have ever seen.”
“I love how there are more than just one location,” he exclaimed. “It’s great because it’s not all in one room and crammed where people are shoving each other. I’m very impressed.”
“I was just visiting camp for the weekend when I saw the signs for this show. I’m glad I came. I’m going home with some new art work for my office.”
At all three locations, Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre, Collins Hall and Camp Thompson, participants enjoyed the art of local musicians playing their music.
Local musician Ayla Thurston said she loves playing for crowds.
“I love playing my music for other people,” she said. “It’s nice to get my name out there.”
Travelling from St. Joseph’s Island, Wilde Strawberries Studio owner Kathleen Parr said she loved coming to these shows to show the public the kind of art she makes.
“I don’t do the typical art with painting and pictures,” she said. “I make things, like clothes and dolls. It’s a different art and the kids love it.”
When asked how she feels about her kind of art, Nicholls said she loves the expression she can portray.
“It’s been a blast.”