I must say I’m running into the same roadblocks that I did last summer in getting some good snaps of Maple Lake–it is just so rainy and windy–at least in the afternoons and early evening-to-sunset when I’d like to take photographs. We would have had a few more to share but both spouse and I are using the new camera and we are not quite adept yet at making sure the settings have not been fudged with.Taking snaps of loons on the “portrait” setting just does not get a good result. Here are a few photos just the same. We went to the Haliburton campus of Fleming College for the Arts and toured the Sculpture Forest which is adjacent to it. It was the nicest day that we’ve had thus far weather-wise. We each had fun and spouse, who took pictures on our older camera, really got some nice shots. He’s not cooperating however with sorting through them and believe me, going through 1oo’s of snaps like I’ve just done isn’t the fun part of photo-taking. Cheers! Cyn
In an effort to freely support local business I’m giving a shout out to The Art Hive, a business that is mostly woman-run. If you have not visited yet I strongly urge you to do so.
I came across The Art Hive late in my stay at Maple Lake last summer and went inside to find a lovely and talented artist who welcomed me warmly and told me of the the many artists and craftspeople involved in “The Hive.” Many pieces representative of these artists are on display in the store.
My initial interest and reason for stopping by was not the art but the building in which The Art Hive is housed. Decades ago, it was a general store and I have clear memories of tagging along with my cousins–all of us barefoot–in hopes of getting some penny candy if we behaved. In the ensuing years the store has had a number of incarnations but I hope this particular one ‘sticks.’ This is wonderful showcase for cottage country local talent that wholly deserves the support of their community as well as visitors who truly want to take home a beautiful piece that represents the Highlands.
Please read more below and clear your calendar Saturday afternoon on May 30. You’ll be glad you did!
Opening Reception: Saturday, May 9, 3-5pm
A recycled art exhibition and partnership fundraiser
Fundraising Auction will be held on Saturday, May 30th.
A recycled art exhibition and partnership fundraiser. Includes at least one component which has been reused, scavenged, found or repurposed. Entries can be sculptural, functional, decorative, wearable.
Visit Website: www.thearthive.com
The Art Hive, 10239 Hwy 118, 4 km east of Carnarvon
Phone: 705-754-0021
Email: thearthive@live.ca
Even though I resided at Maple Lake for a total of about 5 weeks last summer I still did not get a chance to sight-see at the super-neat Haliburton Sculpture Forest.
The Haliburton Highlands is a artist’s enclave with about as many different types of art
and artists as you could possibly imagine. I don’t have the big bucks needed to lug home a fraction of what I would if I could but the Art Forest is FREE!
Speaking as someone who dabbles in photography I can attest to the fact that it’s a beautiful setting to indulge in photographic pursuits.
But last summer it rained quite a bit and was sort of cold and when the weather was nice I wanted to be down at the beach or in the Lake. I cannot believe I never made it to the Haliburton Sculpture Forest. This year, rain or shine. (I really hope we have some sunny days!)
Haliburton Sculpture Forest
One of the most unique among sculpture gardens and parks! This is truly a forest trail with a broad assortment of sculptures by Canadian and International sculptors. Free guided tours are available each Tuesday morning in July and August. Located next to the Haliburton Highlands Museum and the Haliburton School of the Arts, the Sculpture Forest is available to hikers and bicyclists in the spring, summer and fall. During the winter months, cross-country skiiers enjoy the serenity on a groomed trail.
When I was a kid spending my summers at Maple Lake, “going into town” meant climbing into the back on my grandparent’s Rambler, sandwiched in-between a gaggle of my cousins and taking what seemed like a long trip into Haliburton, which was very quaint back then, though in comparison to our surroundings on Maple Lake it was a culture shock–the good kind. Generally, we went to town not for fun but for provisions but if we behaved we could get the reward–a trip to Stedman’s.
I look back on those days with great fondness and an adult’s perspective. That long trip into Haliburton? It’s 11 miles (though my grandpa was a cautious driver).
In the decades since my childhood Haliburton has grown and thrived in a number of areas but especially in the area of the arts. In Haliburton resides the Haliburton School of the Arts and it has a broad spectrum of offerings to fit almost any age or interest. Please read below to find out about the exciting goings on that are both ongoing and slated to begin.
(HALIBURTON, ON – March 6, 2009)
The perfect, affordable escape for families or individuals is right here in Ontario. With hundreds of lakes surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking vistas, the Highlands of Haliburton are the ideal setting for an art school. The inspiring surroundings and courses within the schedule kindle a creative vigour that can be motivating and energizing or reflective and relaxing.
The program spans the calendar, the ages, the skill levels, and the seemingly unrestrained range of techniques and media.
“What a delight! This is one of Ontario’s best kept secrets – fun, useful, and a wonderful way to learn.” ~ Jess Posgate, Iron Sculpture student
With an eclectic and extensive variety of courses offered at a range of skill levels, there’s something for everyone!
Experience the
Architecturally inspiring Campus
Creative energy
Gallery receptions
Instructor features
Art Talks
Self-guided walk about exhibitions
Student receptions and entertainment
Local galleries, shops and the Haliburton Sculpture Forest
Week-long adult courses are accepted as credits toward Fleming College’s Visual & Creative Arts Diploma. There are also courses that are part of the Expressive Arts Ontario Graduate Certificate from Fleming College.
Visitwww.HaliburtonSchoolofTheArts.cafor the schedule of courses and workshops. With over 50 new courses and more than 20 new instructors blended with favourite returns, it’s an exciting program. Painting, guitar, glassblowing, pottery, jewellery, millinery, belly dancing, chainsaw carving, beading, improvisation, musical instrument construction, choral singing, floor cloths, writing, quilting, and so much more.
Retreat on your own or bring the family!
Accommodation assistance is available.
Registrations now being accepted for the 2009 schedule.
For the longest time I considered myself to be a non-creative person both in my writing style and literally in the creation of of art objects.
Over the years I discovered that the less I confined myself to the conventional definition of what constitutes creativity and thought more about what pleased me when in a creative frame of mind, the more I revised my definition of “creative.”
One way that I would encourage anyone that’s wanted to explore her creativity and “craftiness” would be to join The Art Hive on Thursday September 18, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm for an informal evening for women to get together and be creative.
Each month highlights a different project. This month project is called Paint Your Own Tile and Art Hive artist April Gates will be at the helm. In joining you will learn the basics about bright and colourful Maiolica surface decoration on earthenware tiles. In the tradition of The Art Hive, where freedom of expression is honoured and encouraged, bring your design ideas and your imagination. Materials are supplied by the artist, however if you have favorite watercolour brushes, bring them along. Please wear a work shirt or bring an apron as pigments may stain clothing. Tiles will be fired by the artist and will be available for pick-up two weeks later.
This is a project that tempts me to jump in the Mustang and motor up there to participate. I’ve had grand ideas for a backsplash for the longest time and a project like this could be the start of something very exciting.
To pre-register, call The Art Hive. Cost: $5 for members, $10 for non-members
The Art Hive, 10239 Hwy 118, 4 km east of Carnarvon
Phone: 705-754-0021
Website: www.thearthive.com
Email: thearthive@live.ca
trail with a broad assortment of sculptures by Canadian and International sculptors. Free guided tours are available each Tuesday morning in July and August. Located next to the Haliburton Highlands Museum and the Haliburton School of the Arts, the Sculpture Forest is available to hikers and bicyclists in the spring, summer and fall. During the winter months, cross-country skiiers enjoy the serenity on a groomed trail.
When I was a kid spending my summers at Maple Lake, “going into town” meant climbing into the back on my grandparent’s Rambler, sandwiched in-between a gaggle of my cousins and taking what seemed like a long trip into Haliburton, which was very quaint back then, though in comparison to our surroundings on Maple Lake it was a culture shock–the good kind. Generally, we went to town not for fun but for provisions but if we behaved we could get the reward–a trip to Stedman’s.
