Tanis Browning-Shelp
Art lovers – both the two-legged and four-legged variety – braved the heat to peruse Jim Lamont’s spectacular photography on Belgrave Road during the Art Tour. Photo Supplied
Despite record-breaking heat, the second annual OOE outdoor Art Tour attracted hundreds of visitors to its 11 exhibitions on August 21. Attendees arrived on foot, on bikes or scooters, and, in some cases, in air-conditioned cars. “Everyone involved put in a great deal of time, energy, and effort to make the art tour a really fun event that even the heat and humidity couldn’t put a damper on,” The Mainstreeter editor Lorne Abugov said. The Mainstreeter organized and backed the tour along with sponsors Helene Stanciu from ReMax Hallmark Ottawa, and Brian Montgomery
from Oat Couture Oatmeal Café and Montgomery Scotch Lounge. “I am very thankful to Helene and Brian for jumping in with both feet to help support this event, and we are delighted that they have signed aboard to sponsor once again in 2022!”
One of the founders of the OOE Art Tour, artist Steve Fick, exhibited his portraits and landscapes outside his Drummond Street home. Photo Supplied
Painter Karen Goetzinger emphasized how much a community’s support for an artist’s work matters. “It is important to our art practices, and it keeps us going back to the studio,” she explained. Oil painter John Jarrett said he really enjoyed the day. “It was wonderful seeing so many friends and neighbours. I count myself lucky to be part of Old Ottawa East. This event was another big plus for our neighbourhood!”
Underwater photography of Sean Landsman on display outside his OOE home before the commencement of the Art Tour. Photo Supplied
Acrylic painter Ruth Browning chatted with close to 100 visitors about her landscape paintings, many of which she created from her travel photographs. “People recognized the scenes from their own trips to places like Prince Edward Island, Ireland, Hawaii, and Australia and really seemed to enjoy sharing their travel memories with me.”
According to artist Steve Fick, who paints landscapes and portraits in oil, he had a steady stream of appreciative viewers. “I love the informality of the event, and the chance to meet people, see old friends and students, and have lots of interesting conversations,” Fick said. “It re-inspired me. It is also a great way to enrich the vitality of our community. I heard a lot of talk about what a great neighbourhood this is, from both longtime residents and newcomers.”
steady stream of on-lookers provided young calligraffiti artist Luke Goldsmith with plenty of exposure for his work. Photo Supplied
With photographer Jim Lamont away working in the Yukon, his wife Marina represented him during his exhibition. “The non-stop stream of visitors between 11:00 am and 3:40 pm kept mentioning how appreciative they were of this opportunity to attend an outdoor community event,” she said.
Underwater photographer Sean Landsman had a lot of fun “connecting with folks in the neighbourhood” while sharing his work with them. Calligraffiti artist Luke Goldsmith, the youngest of the exhibitors at this year’s Art Tour, was excited by the opportunity to display his artwork for the first time to large numbers of visitors to the side and rear yards of his parents’ Bower Street home.
Watercolour, pastel, and acrylic painter Rosie Cusson thought the show was a great success. “I met so many interesting people and new neighbours,” she said. “Fortunately, my driveway was in the shade all afternoon. I also put up my banner: LAZY, BUT ONLY A BIT CRAZY which drew a few laughs!” Cusson also organized the inaugural Kid’s Korner exhibition. Twelve children participated in this special event which raised $112.00 for the Ottawa Food Bank.
OOE youngster’s contributions of artwork to the 2021 Art Tour generated a donation of $112.00 to the Ottawa Food Bank. Thanks to artist and Kid’s Korner organizer, Rosie Cusson! Photo Supplied
