Fantasy in The Forest Art Show

Isadora Spielmann | Jul 13, 2016

The air sparkles a bit brighter here, I notice as soon as I get out of the car. Trees bend towards each other and whisper friendly little nothings; I am instantly engulfed and welcomed into the land of ‘Fantasy In The Forest’. Wait, did the maple over there just sigh a greeting to the coming weekend? As I stand and look around me, it is easy to envision the happy gathering of huts and booths that become home to participating artists for the duration of the show.

The 21st Fantasy In The Forest Art Show will open its gates again Saturday & Sunday, July 16 and 17. It is the third time in its new location, only minutes west of Perth Road Village in a lovely woodland setting. Fifty-four artists, many of whom will be in costume, will bring their finest work to display and tempt you with. Several little shops that look like they have just grown out of the trees are scattered around the property.

Meet Jamie Brick, the founder of this magical show, whose sculptures range from the mystical and the sublime to the irreverent and wacky. Jamie Brick tears down the veil between the worlds. His more serene sculptures are often allegories of nature spirits, meeting the human heart, whereas bunnies from sugar cups and silver spoons seem to have jumped out of a fairy-tale and decided to stay on awhile, just because the company is so compelling.

Holly Dean (mixed media painting) and Larry Thompson (print maker) have participated in this show from the very beginning. Here are just a few of the other artists and what you can look forward to: Jayne Ayre (Kismet Clay Designs); Tony and Kathleen Deluca (goldsmiths); Harvest Pillows (buckwheat pillows); Claude Bouchard (wooden buckets and pails); Deb Stagg (Leaf Relief, concrete fountains and bird feeders). Christine Geauvreau repurposes silver into wind chimes; Blake Richardson paints to reveal the hidden images on rocks; and Nicole Hearns paints fantastical paintings of fantastical landscapes.

Every year the show sponsors an emerging artist. This year features two new artists: Don Johnson, emerging medieval furniture maker and Stephanie Harper, photographer.
There will be creatures and things, romantic or down to earth, colourful or natural. It is easy to find the booth one wants to stay a little longer at or the artist one wants to speak a little more with. It is easy to find the special something one wants to take home as a gift or to remember the sparkly air at the show.

While you stroll and enjoy the scenery and fine skills of the artists present, the live music of Alberts Vitols will surround you and enchant you even more. Why don’t you go for a drive and visit the fantastical show in the forest!

The show is held at 1029 Bear Bottom Lane and admission is free. From Perth Road Village go west on Wilmer Rd to Norway Rd. and follow the signs. For information call 613-353-1997 or visit fantasyintheforest.com