Artistry by the Lake, Niagara on the Lake's annual Canada Day celebration in Queen's Royal Park
The setting couldn't be more perfect: Queen's Royal Park in Niagara on the Lake, set on the banks of the intersection of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, where sailboats and pleasure craft leisurely venture past Fort Niagara, still figuratively guarding the deep, blue entrance that once facilitated an attack on Fort George during the War of 1812.
Today is Canada Day and the occasion for NOTL's annual Artistry by the Lake, a juried arts and craft show in the park, filled with people wandering through the rows of tent-like structures where 75 artisans' booths display intricate jewelry, stunning photography and myriad art as well as unique woven, wooden and glass products, delicate ceramics and even some food and drink.
Parking is a perennial problem, but we squeezed into a spot close to the nearby cemetery, and then it was simply - head towards the water and look for the distinctive gazebo at the water's edge.
This is an attractive annual show of quality work. I talked to two locals, Dermot O'Kane from Niagara Falls who was exhibiting wonderfully vivid pictures of evocative Canadian settings and NOTL's Sarah Leplae, an artist with a flair for architectural structures that reminded me of a recent trip to Jerusalem. I also chatted with Janice Ykema, an illustrator, who lives in Mississauga with a daughter here in Niagara. Their work was eye-catching as a large crowd wandered about checking out the displays.
The display area of the park is flat, but slopes, so if you're using a wheelchair or need an easier approach, you can find a more accessible entrance near the parking lot washrooms and food tent. Many of the crafters were set up under large trees, so it was quite comfortable with ample shade.
Many people, young and old were on hand to proudly celebrate Canada Day by sporting appropriate red and white clothing and maple leafs. In the senior category, I met Brian Parks of NOTL who wore an ideal t-shirt. In the younger set, two-year-old Ben Branscombe, whose grandmother lives here in NOTL, exhibited a spiffy Canada Day t-shirt.
Mark this event on your calendar for next year. Usually the show is spread out over the weekend. It's an ideal way to pass an enjoyable few hours, and who knows, you might be inspired to purchase a fine work of art. Our friends selected a neat bird house to take back home to enhance their home in Port Colborne.
Contact information on artists mentioned above
Dermot O'Kane Gallery (Fine Art Photography), 4525 Queen St., Niagara Falls, ph: 289-296-4200
website:
www.dermotokane.com;
Email: contact@dermotokane.com
Art by Sarah Leplae (Artist), 339 Mary St., Box 182, NOTL, 905-468-1368, website:
www.artbysarah.ca;
Email: sarah.leplae@artbysarah.ca
Janice Ykema, (Illustrator), ph: 416-697-1219, website:
www.janiceykema.com;
Email: janiceykema@janiceykema.com
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