Day-long festival will feature artists, musicians and more

Claire Ryan’s latest FUSION Saint John article appeared in today’s Telegraph-Journal:

For the fifth year in a row, FUSION Saint John will usher in autumn with a celebration of Saint John’s arts and culture community at the Harvesting the Arts Festival, an annual day-long event that gives artists, musicians, performers and food vendors an opportunity to showcase their talent in King’s Square.

“Being a part of events like the Harvesting the Arts Festival (is) a great way to get out there and show your work to people who may not otherwise ever see it,” says painter Mallory Driscoll, one of a number of Saint John artists who will be selling their work at the Harvesting the Arts Festival.

Driscoll is no stranger to the festival, but this will be the first time she will be there as a vendor.

“It’s a terrific atmosphere,” she says, “and I think it’s a great opportunity to reach out to a new audience and network with other artists.”

Driscoll will be joined by other great local talent including potter Alison Gayton, jewelry maker Kelly O’Neill and photographer Lindsay McLaughlin at the day-long, free-of-charge, community event.

The Harvesting the Arts Festival continues to grow each year.

Last year more than 2,000 people passed through King’s Square to support the Saint John artists, musicians and performers who make up the city’s vibrant arts and culture community.

“Art is a lot like music in that it’s much better live,” Driscoll says.

“People generally appreciate the work more once they have met the artist.”

Over the course of a day a number of local musicians will grace the stage, including: Jason (Moondog) Robertson, Karen Palmer, Alex Keleher, Micah Nickerson, Keith Facey, Ken and his band of Friends with James Dalzell, Wayne Fowler, Matt Soucy, December Fall Out, Eric Muir, Girls Would Kill, Shinjuku Mad and headlining band Quonset.

“There are a ton of great artists and musicians here in Saint John,” Driscoll says.

“We’re very fortunate to have these kinds of events that promote and celebrate the arts – it’s the best way to share your work and connect with new people.”

There will also be a number of other activities.

There will be food from around the world at Food Alley, children’s activities including the Indigo Reading Circle, face painting and the InterAction Children’s Theatre. Jason MacLean of the Yoga Outlet will lead a yoga class and Joe Hatfield will again be on hand in Karate Korner, teaching a karate class and giving demonstrations over the course of the day.

The Harvesting the Arts Festival will take place this Saturday in King’s Square, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, please visit www.fusionsj.com.

Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.