On Saturday, August 27, the second annual Arts in the Garden was held at The River House on Miller Street in the Municipality of Meaford. More than 80 people gathered to celebrate the arts and to support The Women’s Centre of Grey-Bruce and the Words Aloud Poetry Festival 2023.
Generous Meaford businesses provided products and services for the silent auction. Prizes included: dinner at Sheardown’s, a night’s stay at Hills, an original Suzette Terry painting, nutritional counselling by Hungry 4 Health, massage by Kelly Schell, cushions from Bespoke by Carol, products from the Refillery, Little Wren, Still Fields Brewery, Beaver Creek Farms, Georgian Hills Vineyards, and the Georgian Bay Symphony.
Mother Nature was totally on board as guests mingled in the garden soaking up the sun. Local talent Suzette Terry was the featured visual artist this year; she painted a large-scale landscape on site; onlookers were able to watch as bright acrylics met the canvas with gusto.
Visitors were wowed by Poet Laureate Richard-Yves Sitoski’s smart, thought-provoking spoken word. A mini Craig Gallery was set up in garden featuring regional artists, highlighting the talent that surrounds us. Meaford’s Deputy Mayor, Shirley Keaveney, spoke to the crowd, acknowledging the importance of Arts and Culture for a vibrant community. The arts and artists are an integral part of a civilized, caring community. They ask bold questions, make the world beautiful, make us think, challenge the status quo, and give us reason to sing and dance.
Music was also on the menu at Arts in the Garden 2022. Professional violinist Orsi Szalodos performed a Bach solo, Miss Grundy cranked out some original heart-sleeve country, The Campfire Guyz played some fab cover tunes and there was even a sing-a-long component led by Murray B, so if you heard Hey Jude or Ruby Tuesday floating in the breezes along Miller Street it wasn’t your imagination.
The event raised close to $3,000 for the chosen charities.
“Thanks to all who contributed by listening, singing, painting, reciting, bidding, and donating. It takes a village after all, and an artsy gal from the city who fell in love with a certain small town,” said the event organizer.
Submitted by Jen Burak
