Pelham Art Festival a spring masterpiece
32-year Mother’s Day weekend tradition carries on at Haist Street arena
If it’s spring in Pelham, art is on the way.
Pelham Art Festival returns to Pelham Arena, continuing a 32-year Mother’s Day weekend tradition of offering up a juried selection of works from artists across the country and beyond.
This year, with 10 new participants, 76 artists will have works on display, at least one of them hailing from as far as Thailand, for a show widely regarded as the kick off to the summer art festival circuit in southern Ontario.
“Everybody is always coming up with new stuff, so there’s lots to see,” says festival president Heidi TeBrake, who noted the event has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a backyard art show in support of Pelham Public Library.
While the number of artists has grown and the venue changed, supporting the library
has remained a central focus, says TeBrake.
Over the past 30 years the festival has raised more than $425,000 for the library, and $30,000 for arts scholarships in support of students at E.L. Crossley Secondary School, Notre Dame and Niagara College.
TeBrake says festivalgoers come for its wide variety of works spanning a host of mediums, including works in oils, acrylics, pastels, watercolours, mixed media, photography, as well as pottery, ceramics, wood sculpture, glass and jewelry.
“The artists really enjoy coming here,” says TeBrake.
She says it is satisfying to see new visitors take in the festival and realize the calibre of work that’s on display in small-town Pelham.
The festival runs Friday 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a gala evening of wine, hors d’oeuvres and music
from a jazz trio led by vocalist Laralee McGuirl.
Admission is $10.
The festival continues Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with pianist Peter Shea providing musical accompaniment.
Saturday will also feature a scavenger hunt for kids. Saturday tickets cost $5.
Sunday features the music of guitarist Dan Kozar and the festival will be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets are $5 for the day. Guests can also take in a Mother’s Day brunch catered by Churchhill Natural Meats chef Ray Haymes and Rachael Haymes of Nature’s Corner Bakery and Café for $20.
For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit www.pelhamartfestival.com.