A nice way to spend a nice day
News
Posted By SEAN CHASE
Updated 1 month ago
On a pleasantly warm summer day, area residents and visitors enjoyed walking through Eganville's Centennial Park viewing the best that Ottawa Valley artists have to offer or reading the latest works by our most accomplished authors.
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This idyllic scene unfolded last Saturday as the village hosted the first annual Park Art festival, a venue that showcased the talents of local artisans, food vendors and musicians.
In addition to the unique and original art presented by 26 artisans, at least 10 "Taste of the Valley" food vendors offered samples of the best local meat, ice cream, fruits and vegetables.
Sponsored by Bonnechere Valley Township and Eganville's Finest All Natural Ice Cream, this new innovation didn't set out to be an extension of the popular "Taste of the Valley" concept, said Renfrew County public relations Bruce McIntyre.
"We wanted to make something that is unique in every community," said Mr. McIntyre. "This is really building on that local theme."
While he had no final attendance figures to the admission-free event, Mr. McIntyre estimated over 1,000 had strolled through the collection of exhibits and activities which included a petting zoo for the kids.
Various musical groups and singers performed at the band-shell throughout the day with performances from Jeannette Tuby, Ronnie Hiedermann and Barry Panke, Mitch Smithers and Julie Larocque.
Park Art was certainly widely endorsed by the artists who displayed original art, pottery, crafts and jewelry designed by their hand. Eganville resident Adriana Saba, who specializes in portraits and paintings of pets and homes, said the festival is an ideal tourist attraction.
"There are so many people who are interested in art," said Ms. Saba. "It's good advertising for Eganville and hopefully we'll do it again and again."
Professional photographer Jenn Kidd of Deep River used Park Art as the first public showing of her diverse portfolio of landscape shots of the Ottawa Valley and macro photos of rain drops and insects on leaves.
"This is my first time selling my prints," said Ms. Kidd, who seeks a challenge in taking photos few can duplicate. "This is a chance to see how people react to my photography and to get a feel for what people are interested in."
Her sunset photos of the Ottawa River and such landmarks as the sawmill at Balaclava sparked the keenest interest by the visitors to her display.
"The biggest reaction I have received is from people who have seen photos of places that bring out personal memories," Ms. Kidd remarked.
Sean Chase is a Daily Observer reporter
