It’s July in September at Fantasy in the Forest

Sandra Reed | Sep 06, 2023

Note: check out the image gallery at the end of the article!

Over 4,000 people attended the Fantasy in the Forest Art Show, Sat.& Sun. Sept. 2nd & 3rd. About 65 artists participated in this year's 2nd annual end of summer Mixed Media Art Show and Sale. 

It all started over 12 years ago when Jamie Brick, the show's mastermind, invited a few artists to join him in a small art exhibition and sale at his Perth Road Village Studio. There was so much public interest that he decided to open up his nearby 50 acre property at 1860 Draper Lake Road in South Frontenac, for a much bigger event.

"Clearing this old apple orchard, while leaving canopies of trees and the magic of nature in all the right places, was the hardest part," says Jamie.

Over the years, with the support of his wife and the talent of his artistic colleagues, he has added vine and driftwood archways plus nine permanent wooden structures, to his dream forest. These buildings include a tall treehouse and the huge King's Hut where Jamie reigns on his throne during the two annual summer shows (July in September). This summer's addition to the forest was a 32 ft. long communal table, inlaid in brilliant mosaic glass and mirror cuts, designed by Rhonda Evans and constructed by the artists.

What really makes the show outstanding, is that all the vendors are encouraged to wear fanciful, woodland folklore costumes and a large number of visitors get in on the act as well, with costume prizes adding to the excitement. Parents, grandparents, children and even dogs, clad as faeries, elves, dragons, goblins and pixies have become an integral part of the fantasy.

The peace and quiet of the forest was further enhanced by the gentle rhythm of music and vocals provided by volunteer musicians, on the open stage. At lunch time, visitors lined up at the food truck for french fries, poutines and pogos and at another food station, for hummus. A routine visit from Levi, the miniature horse, was definitely a highlight for the kids.

If you wanted to admire (or buy) one-of-a- kind artistic creations - fashion, home decor, leather works, jewelry, glasswork, handcrafted ukuleles or garden art - this was the place to be. From (real) spider web pendant necklaces housed in tiny glass bottles, to resin koi fish ponds set in driftwood and patchwork coats made of recycled sweaters, the entire show was a creative awakening.  

Many of the vendors proclaimed their artwork started out as an experiment and went on to become a profitable pastime or even a career. Jeff White, a storyboard artist, says "I found myself twisting and bending hockey masking tape, while at my kids' hockey games, creating tiny sculptures, just to pass the time."      Eventually he started adding his small tape creations to paper mache to make larger sculptures for himself. Much to his surprise, due to unexpected interest in his unique artwork, what started as a pastime is now a serious art business. "At one point, I took a whole month off work," Jeff said, "and I went through 50 rolls of tape for my new hobby."

Doug, of Stoned and Wired, started picking up stones on the beach 13 years ago. He explained the process of his lapidary artwork and jewelry with a sense of humor. "I'm in charge of the stone," he said, laughing, "and my wife does the wiring. Sometimes we both get hammered." 

"I use art as therapy," proclaimed Danielle Barr of Chaos and Harmony Art, who turned alcohol ink art into an important part of her recovery from a serious car accident. "I am an occupational therapist by day," she says, "and I took up this art-making activity in my spare time as a self-regulation tool. At the time, I had no idea that people would want to buy my work."

Every participant had a story to tell but the one consistent comment from the artists as well as their visiting art fans was: 

"There's a special vibe at this art show that makes it stand out from the others. It's hard to describe the feeling of peace and harmony here in this magical forest. You just have to experience it."

Watch for next year's Annual Fantasy in the Forest Art Shows at: fantasyintheforest.com