Life in Niagara is the sweetest when you’re enjoying the great outdoors and connecting with people in your community — and the folks at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre couldn’t agree more.
The arts centre’s annual festival, Art at the Pumphouse, is back this year and set for the first weekend of August, offering art enthusiasts a chance see how creativity thrives in Niagara, all while immersing themselves in the scenic beauty of the Niagara River’s banks.
The festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 3 and 4, offering an enriching experience filled with art, musical performances and activities for all ages outside the centre at 247 Ricardo St.
Art at the Pumphouse showcases an array of original works, including paintings, photography, sculpture, woodwork, glass, pottery, textiles, jewelry, and more.
Bringing together artists and artisans from both the region and beyond, the event will feature more than 70 exhibitors, including NOTL’s Lynn Weiner, a painter of detailled and scenic pictures of nature, communities, people and animals.
“I think what I enjoy most about the weekend is meeting and having conversations with the people who come to the event,” Weiner said in a media release about the annual festival.
“It is always exciting to see someone acquire a piece that will bring them pleasure for many years to come.”
This year’s event also marks the debut of NOTL’s Caitlin Wooll, whose ink illustrations are whimiscal depictions of anthropomorphized animals such as otters, raccoons, buffalos, elephants and more.
“I heard about the event several years ago and always wanted to participate,” she said in the media release.
“So, I’m excited for the whole experience: meeting the other participants, engaging with art appreciators in person, and the chance for my work to reach a wider audience.”
An online show will be available on the event page from July 15 to Aug. 11, for those unable to attend in person.
It also provides a sneak peek before the event and a recap to revisit artists from the memorable weekend.
Art demonstrations will be held in the Walker Room Gallery or on the outdoor grounds, while musical performances will take place in the rose garden tent.
Here is the full schedule of events planned for the weekend:
Saturday, Aug. 3
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Artist Demo: Glass Art by Julia Kane, Musical Performance: John Claus
12 to 2 p.m.: Artist Demo: Wire Sculpture by Marsha Drew, Musical Performance: Electric Wildlife
2 to 4 p.m.: Artist Demo: Watercolour Painting by Pete Malaguti, Musical Performance: Selena Carlson
Sunday, Aug. 4
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Artist Demo: Acrylic Painting by Lynn Weiner
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Musical Performance: Barley Brae, Balloon Artist by Masquerade Party Services
12 to 2 p.m.: Artist Demo: Collage Art by Lynne Gaetz, Artist Demo: Paverpol by Tamara Plugers
2 to 4 p.m.: Artist Demo: Acrylic Painting by Nancy Wardle, Musical Performance: Mike Lynch, Steve Goldberger, and Friends
In addition, attendees can enjoy a delightful outdoor bistro offering a variety of refreshments and the Tiny Museum, which will be open throughout the event.
Tickets for Art at the Pumphouse are $5. Children under 12 can attend free of charge.
Tickets can be purchased online at artatthepumphouse.ca or at the entrance on the day of the event.
