By Lisa Gervais and Adam Frisk
The historic grounds of the Old Donald Schoolhouse will come alive this Civic Holiday weekend as it plays host to the Schoolhouse Pop-Up Market.
Running Aug. 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the grassroots rural market offers “a premier summer road-trip destination for fine craft and contemporary art lovers,” organizer and curator, April Gates, said. The potter added the open-air event features a collection of 12 artists and makers hailing from across the Haliburton Highlands and neighbouring counties.
“Set against a charming backdrop built in the late 19th century, the market creates an intentional bridge between the region’s pioneering history and its vibrant modern arts culture,” Gates said.
She added visitors can explore a diverse spectrum of creative mediums in the wooded schoolyard.
The curated showcase includes one-of-akind treasures across 10 distinct disciplines: ceramics, fine woodwork, jewellery, textiles, botanicals, preserves, sculpture, blooms, print, paintings and vintage. Light refreshments will be available on-site. “Bringing contemporary fine craft into a historic rural space creates a unique sensory experience,” Gates said. “It gives visitors a chance to meet the makers directly, hear their stories, and take home a piece of authentic regional heritage.”
The venue is at 5843 Gelert Rd., Haliburton. Admission is free with donations collected for northern fire aid. Rain or shine. For more information visit blackbirdpottery.ca.
Tour de Forest
The Tour de Forest moves to the Haliburton Legion this coming weekend (July 31, Aug. 1 and Aug. 2).
Artist and organizer, Charlene McConnell, said the decision to move from studios was made out of a desire for the artists to celebrate the tour’s 20th anniversary together.
“By the time you put a studio tour together, everyone is too busy to see each other’s work,” McConnell said. “This way, we’ll get to know each other a lot better.”
The new format brings several benefits, the artist noted. With high gas prices, the single location offers a “one-stop shop” with ample parking. It also helps eliminate the threat of wind and rain playing havoc with frames and canvases. McConnell said that even the traditional driving tours can suffer if the weather is too nice, as people prefer staying on docks over driving all day.
Several artists will host demonstrations, including John Proctor, who returns to showcase his drum-making. Visitors can also view photographs of the artists’ creative workspaces and chat directly with creators.
The anniversary lineup features a wide range of mediums such as woodworking, pottery, and painting. Attendees will get to meet three of the tour’s original founding members: Barbara Peel, Jane Selbie, and Tom Green.
The legion will feature a dedicated sitting area where people can relax with complimentary coffee and an anniversary cake.
The event kicks off with a preview evening on July 31, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and continues through Saturday and Sunday. Entry is free for the public.
