‘Community Favorite’: Innisfil Art Show & Sale Returns This Weekend

Regardless of the medium, artists share their unique vision and perspective with the world.

More than a dozen artists will display their work this weekend at Innisfil’s fourth annual Fall Art Show and Sale. It takes place Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Innisfil ideaLAB and Lakeside Library branch (967 Innisfil Beach Rd.).

“This art exhibit grew out of the iconic Innisfil Studio Tour, a community favorite for 27 years pre-COVID, and has been a big hit with artists and visitors alike,” said the Chairman of Innisfil Arts, Culture and Heritage. Council (IACHC), Sydney Hardie. “This year we are excited to feature 14 talented artists showcasing everything from woodturning and painting to pottery, sculpture and photography.”

She explained that IACHC held a wine and cheese event in late October that set the tone for the sale. Some of the artists present commented on the situation. InnisfilToday in anticipation of their upcoming display and sale.

“Starting as a traditional illustrator, I fell in love with painting. I paint acrylic portraits and believe people appreciate unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. The show taps into the raw creativity of local artists and I love being a part of it,” said artist Jamie Hardy.

“The traditional industries of painting and other crafts remain unaffected by the threat from AI stealing jobs. While others worry about the looming AI apocalypse, Innisfil artists have taken full advantage of the growing value of unique, one-of-a-kind items that feed into the pure creativity of local artists. Creating original art with meaning takes time, soul, and the excessive chatter that surrounds us leaves us yearning for genuine, imperfect, unfiltered human creativity.”

Liam Jones paints realistic and abstract art; he will be painting at an art exhibition in preparation for the art classes he is opening in town. It last participated in the sale in 2019.

“I’m amazed that all I had to do was look up and suddenly I saw all these incredible artists, photographers, (and) designers right here in the city. I’m very excited about this year. I missed it.”

Kim Evans-Milac has been exhibiting her work since 2018.

“It’s a pleasure to connect with this wonderful group of talented artists,” she said. “I initially showed ceramics, but gradually began to include mixed media art and eco-printed textiles.”

“My passion for art began at university and blossomed during my career as a primary school teacher. Now retired, I find creating art therapeutic and dedicate my time as an art instructor, volunteering at Simcoe Hospice and the Gilda’s Club of Simcoe Muskoka. It’s great to support our local community in this way.”

Christine Graham is an artist and owner of Forget Me Not Potts. She said InnisfilToday that the faster time flies when she is covered in clay in her studio, the greater the success that day was. “I believe it provides a peaceful break or much-needed “me time” from the monotony of our fast-paced lives.”

Although she is new to the group, Graham is not new to the community.

“Our family has been rooted in Innisfil since the early 50s, we went to school here and we still live here,” she said.

“Events like this offer our community a fantastic chance to get up close and personal with different art forms, meet the artists and learn what inspires their work,” Sidney said. “And as always, the library is also hosting an Innisfil Youth Art Show over the weekend, featuring the work of students from Nantyr Shores and Maple Ridge High Schools.”

“I love this time of year and the opportunity to come together and showcase the talents of our local youth,” said artist and IACHC Vice Chair Jeanette Lucese.

The art students, led by faculty members Angela Taylor (Nantir Shores) and Lisa Bell (Maple Ridge), were encouraged to allow “their creativity to flow…in whatever medium speaks to them.”

The IACHC meets monthly at Innisfil Town Hall. To learn more or join, email an upcoming meeting. (email protected).

“As a newcomer, I was greeted very warmly. If anyone interested in participating is planning to bring their work to the… exhibition, please feel free to apply for next year. The application process is streamlined and people are very helpful,” Graham said.

You can find out more about the sale by visiting this website.