Celebrating art
Arts in Motion Chautauqua continues with successful day three
Around 20 artists ranging from painters, poets, musicians AND lined Downtown Water Street Wednesday celebrating the third day of Arts in Motion Chautauqua.
Doreen Huestis, a popular Summerside artist, took back her spot on the street after taking a break from the festival last year. “It feels great to be back. It’s a really great time,” said the 82-year-old.
Huestis began painting when she was a teenager. She remembers the constant doodling that filled paper.
“Finally I bought my first set of paints. But it would take until I was 30 to become a serious painter.”
Huestis says painting is relaxing, but more importantly satisfying.
“It’s nice to have something that you’re self satisfied in. I’ve had pieces that people will love and I’ll add it to the pile in the attic because it’s not something I feel I did well on.”
With a reputation for her oil painting, Huestis is described as a prolific artist in the community.
“It’s a great feeling to know that people think of me like that. It took many years, shows, and exhibits to raise my profile.”
Huestis’ advice to aspiring painters and artists is to never give up.
“Stick with it. Don’t ever give up on your dreams. They’re worth it. It’s incredible what you can do with a brush.”
Down the street, a white fluffy round mass sat on top of a crate as its owner, Melvin Gallant, held a clump of white wool that was being fed into a spinning wheel.
“His name is George. He’s an English Angora rabbit. I use his woolly fur and combine it with alpaca and merino sheep wools to make yarn and hats or mittens,” said Gallant. Gallant and his wife breed Angoras. Currently they have 33 rabbits.
He said it’s harder to work rabbit wool in comparison alpaca or sheep.
“It’s very fine. But rabbit wool is seven times warmer than the other two. The only issue with either alpaca or rabbit is that it has no hold, that’s where the sheep wool comes in.”
Lori Ellis, the site manager of Wyatt Heritage Properties Inc. said it’s evident the confidence of the artists has risen since it’s inaugural year.
“We’ve got more artists than ever this year. We started with five and there’s about four times that out here today.”
This is the 11th year for the Arts in Motion event.
“It’s a proud feeling to see all the work the organization has done come to fruition.”
Heidi FitzGerald, visiting from New Brunswick, said it’s nice to see community celebrate their local artists.
“It’s essential for small communities and areas to showcase their talents. Especially since it gives children the chance to see artists at work, maybe it will inspire them to become an artist themselves.”