Art in the Park 2013: Saturday, August 10th, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Updated)

July 22, 2013 by VB

Sharon Sawyer captures the interior garden.

Plans are set for the 3rd Annual Art in the Park 2013 where those who enjoy an artistic activity or just like to watch art being created can meet for a few inspirational hours within Murchison Place Park. We are expanding the program this year to feature two celebrated Island artists, Julia Purcell and Susan Christensen. Violinist Renee Dahn will serenade us with music. Matos Winery & Vineyards in St. Catherine’s will once again be a sponsor and offer a gift basket for our raffle.

Art in the Park 2013 Program:

10:00 a.m. – The event begins and visitors can enjoy some hot coffee or a cold drink at the beverage table. Those wanting to enjoy their own artistic activity can set up. Cornwall Public Library will feature a sample of their arts, crafts and children’s books available for visitors to enjoy throughout the event.

10:30 -11:30 a.m. – Julia Purcell will begin a one-hour art demonstration where people can participate or watch art being created. Renee Dahn will serenade us with classical violin music. For children, there will be a “reading tent” activity led by Pam Wheatley from Cornwall Public Library.

11:30 -11:45 a.m. – People can enjoy a beverage provided and their lunch that they brought along and get settled to watch the next demo.

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. – Susan Christensen will offer a one-hour demonstration highlighting her artistic style. Renee Dahn will play classical violin music.

12:45 – 1:00 p.m. – Socializing and wrap up, however, people are welcome to spend more time in the park if they wish.

Featured Artists:

Julia Purcell: This is the third year for Julia to lead an artistic demonstration at Art in the Park. She has also taught LEAP courses in art at the Riverview Community Centre over the years and has been integral in developing the artistic talent of many people in and around Clyde River.

Julia Purcell is the eldest daughter of well-known artists Joseph and Tela Purcell of Nova Scotia. Julia has been painting and drawing since early childhood and studied at UBC and Dalhousie University where she earned an Honors BA in Theater and Music. After graduating she was employed at Neptune Theater and Zwicker’s Art Gallery in Halifax, NS. Over the years she has taken short courses in pottery, silver smithing, basketry and printmaking.

She works in watercolour and oil, finding inspiration for her subjects in landscapes, townscapes, portraits and flowers. Despite the demands and pleasures of family life, Julia always finds time for painting, art demonstrations and teaching. Julia was featured in a successful solo show of her work called “Out in the Open” at the Showcase Gallery, Confederation Centre.

Her work can be viewed at many local galleries and at her home in a display space called the Purcell Parlour Gallery. Her latest passion is learning about the botanical style of painting flowers. She also wants to fulfill a life long dream of writing and illustrating a children’s book. Julia lives in Clyde River with her husband Douglas Dahn and enjoys visits from her four children and two grandchildren. (Bio featured on Julia’s website: www.juliapurcell.ca) Gallery of Julia’s art: link here.

Susan Christensen: The spirit of innovation and creative force that defines Studio 4 is synonymous with Susan Christensen. Susan’s level of artistic skill, enriched by her deeply-rooted passion, create the demand for her Visual Art, Graphic Design and Illustrations.

Born in Summerside, Susan’s intrinsic love for her Island home is clearly evident in the artwork which is her passion. Extensive travel has only highlighted for her the beauty and serenity of home —Prince Edward Island. This communion with nature is the essence of her inspiration and it is this exploration of her personal responses that produces works known internationally and nationally as well as locally. Her photo etchings have shown in Japan on numerous occasions. Her image ‘Beach Walk, PEI’ was chosen to represent Prince Edward Island at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. (Bio on her website: www.susanchristensenart.com) Gallery of Susan’s work: link here.

Music:

Renee Dahn: This will be the third year for Rene to perform at Art in the Park. Renee is an accomplished violinist who can perform a broad repertoire of classical favourites. She is currently studying music performance at Wilfred Laurier University. Renee is a past member of the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, the PEI Symphony Orchestra and the Singing Strings. She is currently playing violin in the production Anne & Gilbert the Musical and is thrilled to be back in Clyde River this summer. She is the daughter of Julia Purcell and Douglas Dahn. Rene also performed along with Julia at the Queen’s Jubilee Tea in Clyde River last Summer. When she plays within the beautiful interior gardens of Murchison Place Park, even the birds stop to listen. Her music sets the tone for inspiration. We look forward to having Rene back playing for us this year.

Books:

Cornwall Public Library: Librarian Pam Wheatley will join us again with a sampling of books on arts and crafts along with children’s stories that are found at their beautiful library in Cornwall within the town hall building on Lowther Drive. The library likes to participate in these outreach activities to highlight the many programs and activities and range of books that they have for all of us to enjoy throughout the year.

Show off your Art: We welcome those who have been working on art pieces to take along samples of their work, 4-5 sketches or paintings (in process or finished). A great part of artistic learning is to show your art and find out what others see in your work. This feedback helps you to further develop your style. Also, you will receive invaluable feedback from Julia and Susan, so don’t miss this chance.

Thanks to Matos Winery & Vineyards for being one of our sponsors. Read more about them here. Their Gamay-Noir wine won a Bronze medal at the 2012 Canadian Wine Awards.

Event Details: Admission is by donation and proceeds will go to maintenance of Murchison Place Park. Take along your lawn chair and picnic lunch. If you are planning to participate in your own artistic activity, please take along your supplies. A washroom is available within the park. Murchison Place Park is located among the trees at the corner of Trans Canada Highway and Clyde River Road. Parking is available at the church property across the road. We are hoping for a wonderful sunny day, but if it does rain, we will host the event within the Riverview Community Centre, just a short piece down Clyde River Road, which has hosted many artistic activities and offers its own inspiration.

All are welcome to attend this event. If you have been wishing to attend Art in the Park but never had the chance, make sure to attend this year. Once you take part in one Art in the Park, you will keep wanting to come back. We welcome you to bring along any children that would enjoy our “reading tent” activity or the playground available within the park. Art in the Park is hosted by Friends of Clyde River.