By Nate Smelle

Published June 26 2018

For the past three years art lovers have flooded the shores and backroads around Haliburton’s Kennisis Lake each July to experience the Kennisis Lake Cottage Owners’ Association Art on the Dock exhibition.

Returning for a fourth year the two-day event will take place on Saturday July 7 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Sunday July 8 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The 2018 tour features the creations of 37 artists and artisans on display at 17 locations – docks decks cottages loft spaces and garages.

With exhibitors working in a variety of media – watercolour oil acrylic photography soap jewelry pottery wood sculpture mixed media textiles and more – there is a plentiful selection of one-of-a-kind creations to choose from.

Pointing out that many of these destinations are accessible by boat and/or road Janis Parker co-founding member of the exhibition’s organizing committee says the event is a creative way of bringing people together and building community.

“It’s a very unique event that gives the lake community a chance to get to know each other” she says.

“It also brings in a lot of people from outside of Haliburton so it showcases the beauty of Haliburton while giving local businesses a boost. We have so many talented and creative artists in our community so it also helps to give them more exposure.”

Art on the Dock is more than just a fun event and an effective way of connecting people in the community Parker explained. It has also become an important fundraiser for the Haliburton Highlands Arts Council’s Artists in the Schools program she says.

This program provides elementary school-aged children and teachers in Haliburton County with arts experiences facilitated by local professional artists; curriculum links between the arts and other school subjects; opportunities for children to learn about various careers in the arts and creative businesses; and connections between the community and local schools.

“There are all sorts of benefits for kids who have the opportunity to explore their creativity through the arts” Parker says.

“Artists in the Schools is such an amazing program; we’re very happy to support it. Last year we raised $4000 and this year we are hoping to raise even more.”

For more information about the fourth annual Art on the Dock exhibition including a destination map and a full list of participating artists and artisans visit www.klcoa.org/events.