First annual Southampton Arts Festival set for August long weekend

The first annual Southampton Arts Festival will take place in this beach-resort community during the August Civic long weekend, with a variety of events celebrating the visual and performing arts.

“The festival will offer plenty to see and do in fine local art and photography, live theatre and live music – a feast for the eyes and ears,” said Fred Kuntz, Board Chair of  Southampton Arts Centre, “and Southampton has one of the best beaches on Lake Huron, so it’s a spectacular setting for a summer weekend of fun.”

The festival’s web page lists all the events August 1st-4th, with details on location, organizers and whether free or ticketed.

Highlights of the festival – with more events still to be added – include:

• Art on the Fence – An outdoor exhibit and sale of original artworks by members of the local Shoreline Artists group. Saturday, Aug. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• 50 Little Masterpieces – A chance for festival attendees to go home with an original 10” x 10” painting, selected in order of a draw (tickets $75). 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 2, Southampton Art Gallery.
• Homage – a summer-long exhibit of 41 neckpieces by renowned Canadian metal artist Don Stuart, as a celebration and tribute to Canadian women throughout the ages and across the country. At the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre.
• Naked Radio the Musical – Live theatre featuring hilarity and great musical performances. Running all summer, including Friday and Saturday 8 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. during the festival, at the Bruce County Playhouse.
• Artisans & Tastes Market – Outdoor free market featuring 50-plus talented artists, cooks, growers and more. Organized by the Marine Heritage Society, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday in July and August including Aug. 1 during the festival.
• Summer Concert Series – Free concerts on Sundays from 7 to 8:30 p.m., featuring on Sunday, Aug. 4: The Vaudevillian Jugband at the Fairy Lake Pavillion in Southampton; and the Greg Ritchie rock-blues-country band at the Emmett McGrath Pavilion at the Port Elgin Main Beach. Brought to you by the Town of Saugeen Shores.
• The Neighbours are Wild – A special exhibit of animal-themed artworks by Annette ten Cate and Terri De Signore. Free admission, at the Southampton Art Gallery, throughout the August long weekend and beyond.

 “There’s more in the works – this is just a start. Plans are underway to add to the fun that weekend, appealing to a wide variety of interests and of tastes, including families,” said Kuntz.

ARTbike:  Watch for the touring ARTbike – popping up at locations all around town – offering eco-friendly crafts and art projects for children and families. A mobile event taking creativity to the streets! More information at https://www.southamptonartscentre.com/artbike

Southampton Art Gallery: Browse our new Gift Shop and year-round exhibits, featuring artworks for sale by 35 artists and artisans – from unique jewelry, ceramics, and woodwork, to small and large drawings, and a variety of painting mediums. Free admission at 201 High Street, Southampton.

For more information and operating hours, visit the gallery at  https://www.southamptonartscentre.com/gallery

The Festival is a collaboration among cultural and community groups, all sharing a love of the arts. Participants and supporters involved so far include: Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre; Bruce County Playhouse; Shoreline Artists; Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce; Southampton Arts Centre; Southampton Business Improvement Area and the Town of Saugeen Shores.