Flying high
Dancers from the Ashley Thomas School of Dance at the Maple Ridge Centre performed a number of routines for visitors at the Chesterville Art on the Waterfront to enjoy. The art festival featured music, artistic creations, dance and much more. Visitors and residents were able to explore the amazing local talent over June 2 and 3.   Sawyer Helmer photo

Kalynn Sawyer Helmer
Record Staff
CHESTERVILLE – Art on the Waterfront chair Cheryl Beasley welcomed the crowd to Chesterville’s eighth annual event that features local artists, artisans and crafters. Two of this year’s main sponsors were Peter Gilroy and TD Bank. Beasley also gave a big thank you to North Dundas Township for their many years of support. Mayor Eric Duncan said he was immensely proud of Art on the Waterfront for showcasing local artists.

Local goods
From left, Shyanne Centen and Susan Centen from Savory Sugar in Winchester and Calyie Martin from Crafty Calyie in Crysler were side-by-side booths at Chesterville’s Art on the Waterfront on June 2 and 3. Sawyer Helmer photo

“We have a lot of talent that is untapped in this area. People don’t realize how much amazing talent that we have right here. Plus the community and stores do an amazing job,” said Beasley. The artists at this year’s Art on the Waterfront were a mix of returning and new exhibitors, all from the surrounding area. In addition to the artisans were the Chesterville Farmer’s Market vendors who had many things to offer.

Artists and artisans at the event were displaying jewellry, crafts, homemade goods and paintings. One artist was even producing an acrylic work during the event to show visitors her methods. The artist, Laura Stevens of Finch has been a regular at Art on the Waterfront for four years. Her paintings are available from her home studio, Victoria Street Studios. Stevens has been a professional painter for 10 years and thoroughly enjoys the annual event.

Live art
Finch based artist Laura Stevens of Victoria Street Studios has been an Art on the Waterfront regular for the last four years. The artist was producing an acrylic painting during the festival to show visitors her artistic methods. Sawyer Helmer photo

To pull the event together, Beasley said it takes a year of hard work and has a lot to do with the dedication from the many volunteers involved.

The two-day event featured a full schedule of art, music, dance and activities for visitors and locals to enjoy. The Ashley Thomas School of Dance performed throughout the day in front of the gazebo and showcased a number of young dancers who did solos and group dances varying from hip hop to broadway.

Tic, the popular Ottawa-based radio DJ from CKCU 93.1, had a full lineup of music over the weekend. He told the crowd during the opening ceremonies that the music was tailored for the crowd, which was evident from the great tunes filling the town all weekend.

The eighth annual Art on the Waterfront hosted crowds of visitors over the sunny weekend and paid homage to the immense talent in Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry.