2 7 Frid ay, Ju ly 29, 2011 O A K V ILLE B E A V E R w w w .in sid eH A LTO N .co m Artscene LIFE IMITATING ART: The 46th annual Art in the Park event is taking place this civic holiday Monday at Coronation Park. Above are pictures taken from past Art in the Park events. From left: Jim and Suzanne Yager look at art pieces made by artist Eric Wilson; Christina Lee imitates one of her paintings; and Lawrence DeMaeyer performs with his wife Carrie during the event's music series. LEFT AND CENTRE PHOTOS BY ERIC RIEHL / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER FILE PHOTOS CHRIS KORNACKI / OAKVILLE BEAVER FILE PHOTO Art in the Park changes location, large crowd still expected By Dominik Kurek OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF With a last minute venue change, organizers of the 46th annual Art in the Park are confi- dent the event will be as successful as before. Due to ongoing construction at the Bronte waterfront where the event has been hosted for more than 15 years, this years one-day art festival is changing location. This Augusts civic holiday (Aug. 1), Art in the Park will take place at Coronation Park, where the event began all those years ago before moving to Bronte. We were moved from Coronation because of construc- tion . . . and now this year theyre developing Heritage Park in Bronte, said Brenda Smith, presi- dent of the Oakville Art Society, which organizes the event. While it was supposed to be ready, we were told it likely wouldnt be ready due to construction delays so we had to make a decision. The decision was made to move the event. Which do we prefer? Ask me after this year when well see how successful we are, Smith laughed about the location change. I think Coronation can be a great spot as well. It has a lot to offer. Smith is confident the event will be as successful as ever before. There will be 150 artists and arti- sans from across Ontario at this years event, as many as in past years, chosen through a rigorous juried process. Many exhibitors are returning, while new ones will fill in vacant spots. We have new exhibitors of course, Smith said. You lose a few but were lucky that we have people on a waiting list all the time. She expects about 3,000 people to attend. A recent addition to the event is returning this year as well, the Trafalgar Brewerys Beer Garden, along with musical entertainment provided by the local group, Tropical Daze. There will also be food to go along with the art. We get a very good turnout and were always praying for the weath- er. But, unless its absolute pouring rain, it doesnt really matter, Smith said. Every medium will be repre- sented at the show, including tradi- tional oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings to glass, ceramics, tex- tiles, photography, mixed media, sculptures and fine jewelry. Its all original, theres no reproduction. Its not a craft show. Its really an art show, Smith said. What better way to spend the day than looking at artwork, enjoying the lake, enjoying the park. You can have something to eat and drink. And the cost is minimal. Despite the many years of the annual event, its popularity has not waned in time. Weve been doing this for a long time. Its proven to be hugely popular and we just want to con- tinue the tradition and give people a place to go locally on a holiday in the summer. Admission at the gate is $3, or free for children. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Coronation Park. For more information, visit www.oakvilleartsociety.com. We've been doing this for a long time. It's proven to be hugely popular and we just want to continue the tradition and give people a place to go locally on a holiday in the summer. Brenda Smith, president Oakville Art Society SALLY DURIE S.C.A. Hi hg ly acclaimed local artist inventory sale from her home and studio gallery. Calls and viewings a re welcome (905) 842-5727