New Artists at Fantasy In The Forest

Jeff Green | Jul 17, 2024

Over 80 artists will be showing their work in the unique setting of Fantasy in the Forest this weekend, and at the second gathering in September as well. The event draws thousands to the wooded Draper Lake site, where artists and visitors are encouraged to dress and live fancifully, not online, but ‘in real life’.

Jamie Brick rules the roost from his large King’s Hut, and there is much to see and do in a setting that develops further from year to year.

Along with the returning artists, who work in dozens of different media, some of the new artists will be making their mark as well.

Among them is a young local painter, whose entry is being sponsored by the festival. Fresh off finishing a mural at Sydenham High School, she is Meredith Gee.

“Merideth Gee paints mainly in Acrylic paints and has a love of owls and nature. We think she definitely has talent and are very happy to encourage her,” said Jamie Brick.

Mona Rutenberg, who fabricates sculptural pieces from scrap metal, is also a new exhibitor. She comes from Montreal.

Havery Shultz Is another local artist, from Verona. She works in Painted Pyrography, depicting mushrooms, flora and fauna, in whimsical settings.

Eve and Chris Harvey create Handmade traditional brooms, brushes and dustpans, and are also new.

And Paul Johnston is the third writer to join the show. He is the author of the “Darkness Falls” trilogy.

Live music and food are also a major part of Fantasy in the Forest,

To get to Fantasy in the Forest, take Wilmer Road, which is west of Perth Road (at Perth Road Village) and follow the signs to parking and the shuttle bus to 1860 Draper Lake Road.

Parking and admission are free.

Fantasy in the Forest runs from 10am – 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, July 20/21 and August 30/September 1st (Labour Day Weekend)

The vendors take cards, but cash is king at Fantasy in the Forest.

For further information, go to the Fantasy in the Forest Facebook