There are a number of events and deadlines coming up quickly, so let’s get right to it.
Sustainable Orillia has an art contest going on currently, called What Will Orillia Look Like in 2050? The challenge is to “create your vision of a sustainable Orillia, 2050. Imagine what Orillia could look like in 30 years, when we succeed.”
There are three categories for submissions: elementary school-age children, high-schoolers, and adults. Work can be in any artistic media, and the deadline for the school categories is June 1. The deadline for the adult category is June 30. There are prizes to be won, and entries will be on display during Sustainable Orillia Month in September.
For more information, or to submit your entry, go to www.sustainableorillia.ca or email [email protected]. It will be fascinating to see artists’ imaginations at work on our future.
The Orillia Fine Arts Association, in collaboration with Orillia Lake Country Tourism, the City of Orillia and the Orillia and District Arts Council, has developed a gallery guide showcasing all the art galleries and venues for art in Orillia. The gallery guide consists of a poster featuring art by David Crighton, with a QR code on it. The QR code leads to information about each gallery in Orillia.
The poster art is a depiction of each of the gallery’s front facades, done in Crighton’s inimitable style. The poster is really eye catching and will be displayed prominently in each gallery. Hopefully, with this reminder and tech, patrons will be encouraged to move from one gallery to another, and find artwork that speaks to them. Great initiative on the part of the collaborators.
The Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH) is offering free memberships to health-care workers and educators for the rest of 2022. The board and staff of OMAH wanted to show their gratitude to these frontline workers by offering a place to relax and enjoy, stress-free.
The offer is open to anyone who identifies as a health-care employee (staff or volunteer) or as an educator. Membership benefits include reduced rates for community programs (in-person and virtual), advance notice about exhibitions and events through a bi-weekly electronic newsletter, discounts in the OMAH gift shop, and free admission to select art galleries across the province, including the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
Contact OMAH today to receive the free membership.
Speaking of OMAH, the reception for the summer exhibits at OMAH is this Saturday, May 28, from 1 to 3 p.m. The reception is showcasing four exhibits: Lifelines (International Women’s Day Art Show), Dying Matters: Reflections of Ourselves, and Return to Sender and Expedition, which is organized by PRNT Collective of Barrie. Come out and see all of these wonderful exhibits for yourself, this Saturday, or any Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School’s spring concert is this Thursday, May 26, at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 at the door. Come and see what the kids have been up to now that they are allowed to rehearse and perform together.
Also, don’t forget the Cellar Singers spring concert, Ephemera, featuring the music of composer Stephanie Martin, who will be in attendance to give insight into her works. That’s happening this coming Saturday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m. at St. James’ Anglican Church, Orillia. For tickets, go here.
The Orillia Concert Band is also hosting a spring concert, featuring music from Renaissance to Broadway, on June 4 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Centre. Admission is by donation, and proceeds are going to Information Orillia, a very worthy cause.
Don’t forget the Stephen Leacock Museum has now reopened, with tours and a new exhibit all about Mary Pickford. Also, a new restaurant, Fare, which sounds delicious. For more information, go here.
Coming up? Lots, including drag queens, world premieres, Pachter Panorama — next week.
If you have arts news, send it to [email protected] by Tuesday at noon to be included.
