Headwaters Arts Tapestry of Art and Music event returns for fourth year

By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

This Sunday, June 7, marks the fourth-annual Tapestry of Art and Music event, hosted by Headwaters Arts.

This yearly art show and sale/fundraising event brings together artists from across Ontario, in both music and art, to support Headwaters Arts.

Hosted in the outdoor Annex space under the tented roof at the Alton Mill Arts Centre, no matter the weather, it is sure to be an afternoon enjoyed by all.

At the event, attendees can take in the large mosaic wall, composed of over 90 6” X 6” canvas masterpieces created and donated by local Ontario artists.

These artists take full liberty with the canvas, bringing to life whatever type of work they desire.

Nancy Kluger, Chair of the Headwaters Arts Events Committee, says that as the canvases have begun rolling in, she's noticed all the different types of media used.

The canvases range from photography to mixed media, with each artist preparing something different in their own style.

Part of this year's mosaic will be ten canvases done by students at Robert F. Hall Catholic Secondary School.

These students will then be up for the “High School Artist Award,” which will be announced at the event, and the recipient will receive a $50 gift certificate to Maggiolly Art Supplies in Orangeville to continue supporting their artistic journey.

Kluger adds they have a wide range of artists from across Ontario, including brand-new artists.

The canvases are available for sale, and visitors are encouraged to browse, enjoy refreshments, and take in the live concert.

This year, Sonus Voices, a low-voice ensemble based in Hamilton, will bring a live musical performance to the event.

Kluger says she always tries to bring something new to the musical aspect of the event, in past years featuring Oakville Choir for Children and Youth and Achill Choral Society.

“The core of the project is 100 mini canvases curated in a tapestry format, with music in the background, and how music inspires artists and how art inspires vocal singers,” says Kluger.

Admission is free, but Headwaters Arts will accept donations to support its year-round programming and events.

Not only that, but purchases from the art go back into the Headwaters Arts Scholarship Fund, which was established to support young artists pursuing post-secondary education.

Each donation will also include an entry ticket for their print raffle, this year featuring art from internationally renowned artist and filmmaker, and local beloved artist, the late Cory Trépanier.

The event, Kluger says, is well worth it.

“This year it's 20 vocalists and 100 artists, 120 artists in one room who have all contributed something, not just who have shown up for the event, but they've all contributed something and I think that says a lot about the enthusiasm in Ontario,” says Kluger. “The residents of this area should be really proud of what these artists produce and I'd like to support them as much as possible.”

The event will run from 2 – 5 p.m. on June 7, and more information can be found at www.headwatersarts.org.