By Grade Oborne
There isn’t a better place to browse and purchase amazing works of art and talent than on different docks of a beautiful lake.
The Kennisis Lake Cottage Owners’ Association (KLCOA) will be hosting its 8th annual Art on the Dock from Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, July 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This summer there are 15 exhibitions and about 30 exhibitors who will showcase their work, which will be for sale with cash, cheques or e-transfers. There are a lot of new exhibitors and returning exhibitors making the list relatively large this summer.
“There are lots returning and so I think our list is a pretty large list. There’s at least 10 that are new and 20 that are returning,” the event organizer, Janis Parker, said.
The art includes acrylic painting and mixed media, which can be seen at exhibit A. Phyllis Walton will showcase her studio called The Art Sisters.
“I am a very enthusiastic amateur artist, gaining experience through courses from the Haliburton
School of Arts and just from the joy of painting. The Art Sisters group was formed when we all met at the Haliburton School of Arts, since then we have enjoyed painting together. We hope you will enjoy browsing our work, during the AOTD weekend,” Walton is quoted as saying in the Art on the Dock booklet.
At exhibition D, Brian Kalanda will display hand carved hardwoods and cedar salad, fruit, and trinket bowls at his studio, GhostBear Woodcraft. He will also have wood and wood/resin charcuterie boards and wood coaster sets along with much more.
“I have been creating wood pieces for approximately 10 years. Pieces now reside in homes across Canada, the US and Europe. My passion is hand shaping pieces that provide one of a kind outcomes while retaining functionality,” reads the Kalanda quote from the Art on the Dock booklet.
Parker adds live entertainment at exhibition D enhances the experience for people.
In past years, the KLCOA Art on the Dock has donated more than $25,000 for Artists in the Schools and Community in Haliburton.
“Every single year we’ve been donating to that cause and the whole idea came out of the Arts Council. One of the founding members, who has passed away, Shelley Beach, was on the Arts Council the same time I was, and it was something that we both felt strongly about,” Parker said.
In 2022, a new element was introduced to this program for the children, youth, and adults where Arts Council members have conducted numerous workshops. Participants were able to learn how to paint, make jewellery, act, draw, and more.
Many exhibitors will be collecting donations for Artists in the Schools and Community at their locations.
Art on the Dock on Kennisis Lake will take place outside and happen rain or shine. If it does rain, exhibitors are prepared to move their exhibit indoors. For more information, visit klcoa.org/aotd-8th-annual-july-16-17/.