Canvas crush Find inspiration (and dreamy scenery) at plein air and participatory art festivals across Atlantic Canada BY SHELLEY CAMERON-MCCARRON
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ou may find them—brush and easel in hand—artists working to capture the ethereal beauty of a weathered fishing shanty or the elegant grace of an historic home. Perhaps you’ll see them painting golden light glowing over a solitary lighthouse or illuminating roaring tides. Atlantic Canada, synonymous with natural beauty, provides a dreamy, dramatic backdrop for plein air and participatory art festivals. Here are a few to check out:
Paint Peggy’s Cove
THANDI MUNRO
Some 40 artists will converge on Nova Scotia’s most iconic fishing village, July 8-10 for Paint Peggy’s Cove, one of three marquee experiences during the Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts. During this three-day plein air festival, visitors can stroll the small village just south of Halifax to see artists at work, on the wave-worn oceanside granite rocks, on streets, painting houses, trees, fishing boats, and,
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of course, the lighthouse—arguably the province’s most famous. Patricia Lindley, festival board member and plein air lead, says the event offers artists a terrific variety of scenery,from traditional coastal views to rugged landscape, beautiful in all weather. “All those scenes are there and very accessible,” she says. “The artists are also very much available to watch. A special feature is you really do get up close and personal with the artists.” Lindley says artists are encouraged to interact, to meet and talk to people as they paint. Local volunteers provide on-site support for the artists, including taking their finished pieces (plein air paintings are finished outdoors and can be done in a few hours) back to a large, festive Mongolian yurt positioned by the lighthouse, where the work is available for sale. A nearby children’s tent offers free activities and local artisans are on hand with demonstrations. Lindley says Paint Peggy’s Cove is open to all artists who wish to apply, and artists can paint wherever in the village they like. Peggy’s Cove Festival of the Arts also includes an opening night, this year
on July 6th, and a popular open studio tour held the weekend following Paint Peggy’s Cove. Visitors on this self-guided tour follow a map to over 40 locations around the St. Margaret’s Bay area, spanning from around East River to Prospect Village, and mostly along coastal Highway 333. peggyscoveareafestivalofthearts.com/ festival-events/paint-peggys-cove/
Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival The opportunity to collect a beautiful piece of art, to watch top artists at work, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Parrsboro Shore and world-renowned Bay of Fundy are all part of the appeal of the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival, happening June 22-26, says festival chair Michael Fuller. “It’s five days of painting with artists from across North America,” says Fuller. “They are heavy hitters. The work is excellent.” The event, Canada’s largest plein air festival, accepts 30 juried applicants (including a small percentage filled by Atlantic Canada artists) from around 100 applications. This year, the Nova Scotia festival is hoping to embrace the return of international artists. During the event, visitors can find a favourite artist in a field, along the shore, or stationed wherever inspiration
