14 Artscene Sign up now for guitar, bass, drums, and piano OAKVILLE'S MUSIC STORE · WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2009 Art in the Park celebrating its 44th year in Oakville Event held in Bronte on Aug. 3 remains its underlying principle, according to Frisch. "A gallery can be intimidating to some It's a longstanding tradition that's become people and they don't know what they an integral part of the summer arts scene, and should be looking at, but at Art in the Park, you just wander around and meet it's back, celebrating its 44th anniversary. Art in the Park is once again being held on artists who are personable and friendly," the holiday Monday, Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 she said. "Some artists will even be p.m. in Waterfront Heritage Park in Bronte, demonstrating right in their booth." The event moved to the waterfront in located on Bronte Road south of Lakeshore Bronte approximately 16 years ago Road. It is the biggest annual event and fundrais- when it outgrew the space at Coronation Park. er for the Oakville Art Society. "The entire field beside the "We've taken the seriousness out of art, it is a fun event, and we've added something every Lighthouse Conference Centre is covyear to make it even more fun," said Sabine ered with artists and their booths," Frisch, manager of Oakville Art Society. "It's a Frisch said. The event draws between 3,000 and great day out for the family that is not expen3,500 people per year. There is a wide sive." This year's event will feature more than demographic attending the show. "This is a family event," she said. 150 artists working in a large variety of media, such as oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, "There's everyone from young chilglass, ceramics, textiles, photography, mixed dren to seniors. Most visitors come from Oakville and the GTA." media, sculptures and fine jewelry. "Absolutely everyone loves this event," "It started with watercolour, acrylic, oil paintings and pottery in the beginning, now Frisch said. "I've never had anyone say they wouldn't come back." we've got so many different "I've never had anyone say The event is a hit types of art," she said. with both patrons and While the majority of they wouldn't come back." artists alike. artists come from Oakville, Sabine Frisch "This is always a the prestige of the show Oakville Art Society manager very enjoyable show draws talent from as far to do," said Len away as Quebec and even Schafer, a jewelry designer from the United States. About 300 artists apply to be part of the Richmond Hill. "It is in a lovely setting show. A jury determines which lucky 150 and it always features high quality and innovative work in a wide variety of artists will take part. "It has to be original art made by the artist mediums that draws appreciative who is exhibiting it," Frisch said. "It is really supportive and knowledgeable high-quality art because of the selection patrons." Oakville artist and society member process we have. We want to keep it as a fine Andrea Seibt is a first-time exhibitor in the art show while still keeping it fun." The artwork will be available for purchase. show, but has attended the event with her Frisch said the event can be lucrative for family for the past six years. The artist, who focuses on portraying artists. "I've spoken to a portrait artist who just marine life in acrylics and mixed media paintdoes our show and gets enough work to last ings, said she is anticipating this weekend's him into the next year," she said. "It is a suc- event. "I'm extremely excited to be part of this cessful show and it has acquired a name for year's show and to be able to expose my work itself." Planning for the event is done by a com- to a greater public," she said. "I'm hoping to mittee of five people. Phone calls and e-mails get lots of feedback from visitors and to talk to start flowing in December, a healthy eight as many people as possible about my work and months in advance of the summer event. A what it means to me. I would wish that my roster of between 30-40 volunteers help make artwork encourages people to discover the beauty of the ocean and help to protect this the actual day of the event run smoothly. "Volunteers are essential to make this unique and special habitat." Besides art, there's a lot for visitors to enjoy event a success," said Frisch. Art in the Park started as a way to break at Art in the Park. See Food page 15 free from the stuffy gallery stereotype, which OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF By Tina Depko OAK VILL EB FILE EAVER PHO TOS MASTERPIECES: Artwork from the past few years of Art in the Park shows the wide variety of media on display. There are more than 150 artists taking part in the show this year.