Written by GAC volunteer writer Catherine Constans
Spirited conversations between artists and their admirers will float from the line of white tents up and down Quebec Street when the annual Art on the Street event takes place on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thousands of visitors will come from all around to see both established and emerging artists at Guelph’s largest outdoor exhibition and sale.
“Guelph has a thriving art scene, and this event is a great space to find the unexpected,” says Katherine Percival, Art on the Street coordinator. “If you’re interested in beautiful things, appreciate creativity and want to discover what the local community has to offer, you will find this is a very accessible art fair.” From paintings and sculptures to metal garden flowers and organic scarves, there are unique treasures priced for every budget.
The white tents act temporary studios for the 60+ professional artists to display their creative pieces. In the RBC parking lot at the corner of Quebec Street and Wyndham Street North, visitors can discover new talent as emerging artists are going to show their work – many of them for the first time ever.
Amanda Gonsalves, a returning artist, and the featured artist on this year’s promotional poster, says the event has a celebratory energy to it. “It is a creative love fest. I love talking with people about art and sharing my process and inspiration. I hope visitors stay awhile and enjoy the stories and poems that go along with my pieces,” she explains. Amanda is a self-taught artist who has been painting for more than 25 years. “Art feels like the truest expression of me. It reminds me of my connection to something bigger. It helps me make sense of myself and the world around me and it helps to bring me back to the essentials for me…peace, kindness, and love. I am human and don’t always remember those things, but creating in my studio is an anchor and a practice that brings me back to that place. I am retired and very fortunate to be able to devote considerable time to painting.”
Katherine offers some tips for first-time visitors to Art on the Street, saying, “The event will take place rain or shine. I recommend you set aside at least half a day so you can take your time visiting each of the artists and talk to them about their practice. And when you are done, end your day with a great meal at one of the many nearby restaurants.”
