By Katie Ryan
The arts are about to come alive in the Border City. Arts Without Borders kicks off tomorrow night and the community is cordially invited to take part in the many festivities running from June 9 to 13.
“I just encourage everyone to experience the arts and I think the Arts Without Borders Festival has performing arts, visual arts, literary arts and media arts so there is something for everyone no matter what age,” said Gwen Mottram, festival director, who expects an estimated 2,000 will partake in the festival which is coordinated by 50 volunteers who put in about 1,500 hours over five days.
The fourth annual festival opens with an evening reception at Lloydminster Public Library, offering everyone a sneak peak of the events to come and a preview of the upcoming Film Fest which features short films from the Yorkton Film Festival Arts & Culture Tour and the Prairie Tales from Metro Cinema Society.
Every year Mottram said the festival strives to offer something new and this year comedy is on the roster of festival activities.
Thursday night will showcase musical comedy at the Vic Juba Theatre courtesy of Bowser and Blue.
“We wanted to incorporate comedy into this year’s festival and this duo have appeared in Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, they have been on a variety of television shows for several years, we have seen them before and they are a true hit with the audience.”
Saskatoon author, Douglas Schmeiser will hold court at the Vic Juba the following night when he discusses his novel, “A Settling of Accounts,” with participants at Lloydminster Reads.
“I think the discussion in this book will be interesting. It has three elements that should appeal to a lot of people in our community,” said Mottram referring to the world of law, oil and cattle industries.
Schmeiser will continue to talk shop Saturday with those interested in writing and publishing books in the Atrium Centre at the Writers Ink Morning. Summer Street Fest will also be in full swing Saturday on 49 Street.
This year the festival has teamed up with the 49 Avenue Downtown Farmer’s Market and Streetscapes to present Summer Street Fest featuring not only the Art Market and farmer’s market, but entertainment as well on the stage and at street level.
“It’s a win, win,” said Mottram of the partnership. “Our partnership with Street Fest will make this year’s Arts Without Borders Festival stand out from other years.”
Henna artists and acrylic painter Kari Fell are among the new vendors at the Art Market this year, which will also feature roaming musicians.
Residents can explore the community as well on the annual artWALK, which boasts 24 points of interest this year. Maps are available online and guided tours will also be offered on June 12.
Artists and craftspeople will also have their work on display and up for review in the Juried Art Show, held at Lakeland College for the duration of the festival. The winners, along with the Gwen Mottram Arts Volunteer Award and several arts bursaries will be presented at the awards afternoon on Sunday.
Local Lego talent will also be on display at the Barr Colony Heritage Cultural Centre in the Create, Build Invent! exhibit.
Music takes the Vic Juba spotlight Saturday night at this year’s Lloyd Folk Fest which kicks off with something for the kids - “Charlotte’s Web” a kid’s puppet show by Kaybridge Productions, followed by the blues with Kat Danser and pop rock with Fools Tongue. One of Canada’s best singer-songwriters, Murray McLauchlan, will cap off the night with his homespun folk rock.
“I think Murray McLauchlan is a Canadian treasure,” said Mottram.
For more information about locations, times and other details of the Arts Without Borders Festival pick up a festival program or go to www.artswithoutborders.ca.