Art in all its forms will be celebrated in Port Hope Aug. 9

Photo courtesy of the Municipality of Port Hope

By: Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News

The annual Port Hope Arts Festival returns on Saturday, Aug. 9, bringing back many of the traditional favourites – the 10-Minute Play Series, live music, an outdoor vendor market, wagon rides, hands-on activities and a community gathering in Memorial Park – from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The 10-Minute Play series is made possible by funding from the Ontario Arts Council. This year's edition features 12 different performances across six locations throughout the day. The offerings range from comedies to thought-provoking dramas. One new entry this year is Cher-lock and the Roommate Ruse, developed by Port Hope High School students under the mentorship of drama teacher Samantha Clark.

Art Around Town is back, showcasing the work of local artists in various downtown shop window. Spearheaded by artist Herb Jung, this initiative brings artists and merchants together to transform downtown Port Hope into a vast outdoor gallery, with work that will be on display from July 25 to Aug. 10.

In line with the ideal of supporting local makers and businesses, the festival brings more than 40 visiting artists to pop up beside that morning' Port Hope Farmers' Market on the back lawn of the Town Hall and parts of Augusta Street.

A few steps away at the Capitol Theatre, SONG (Sounds of the Next Generation) hosts a NextGen SoundStage – an open-mic opportunity for the public to showcase their skills. Solo and group acts are invited to bring their instruments, their poetry, their voices and get ready to shine (advance sign-up is required).

As well, the Capitol is offering an intimate behind-the-scenes look at The Making of Rez Gas with writers Cale Crowe and Genevieve Adam sharing backstage stories, the highs and lows of the writing process, and how to realize a musical out of the kernel of an idea. At 7 p.m., they also host a cozy concert Under the Marqeuee.

And just to remind you that downtown Port Hope is open for business, transit within town is free that day.

In advance of it all, on Aug. 8, local arts organization Critical Mas is hosting a guided Art Crawl Downtown from 4 to 7 p.m. as a kick-off, enjoying art installations and pop-up artists' talks along the way. Register in advance and gather at the Little Station in Lent Lane – where you will return at 7 p.m. for the Post-In Port Hope Exhibition and Sale opening reception. This fun free exhibition showcases original three-inch-square artwork on sticky notes by Canadian artists that are available for purchase (more details are available on the Critical Mass website).

Mayor Olena Hankivsky called the festival “a true celebration of our community's imagination, passion and spirit.

“This annual tradition invites residents and visitors alike to experience the power of the arts to connect and inspire. It also reminds us how the art can spark connections and unite a community in meaningful ways.”

All details – including the schedule for the 10-Minute Play Series, SoundStage sign-up link, Art Around Town display locations and three new Artist Tip Videos, visit porthope.ca/arts-festival