A popular outdoor art show in Washago is back for its 11th year.
Art on the Severn will take place under the pavilion at Centennial Park on Quetton Street in Washago this Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
“We have painters, photographers, and we've got a wire artist,” said organizer Stephanie Stanton. “We have acrylic, abstract, watercolours, landscape — we've got it all.
“They're all local artists. Some are from the Washago-Severn area. Some are from Ramara. We have one from Lagoon City, and the rest are from Orillia.”
The point of the event is to bring art and community together, said Stanton.
“Any opportunity to sell art is a good opportunity for artists,” she said. “It's a different venue than just doing a gallery tour. It's a nice opportunity to be outside and enjoy art while you're outside.”
The Washago community actively supports the arts, she said, and if it’s a nice day outside, an art show is a great opportunity for people visiting main-street Washago to wander down to the park.
“Their children will have a play area to enjoy and there's swimming at the beach nearby, and there's lots to do downtown,” she said. “Washago is quite a hub of activity this time of the year.”
The event gives artists exposure to a new market, said Stanton.
“It exposes them to people who maybe don't necessarily go to art galleries,” she said.
It may also add charm to that special piece people might buy at the show.
“A lot of times, when you have art in the gallery, you may not get to meet the artists,” she said. “This is a chance for them to meet the artist and talk to them, and often those kinds of interactions bolster sales.
“As well, that personal connection makes that piece in your house an even better story because you know who painted it and what they were thinking when they painted it.”