Peggy's Cove Area Festival of the Arts

Press Release (adapted from the event website) – Sometimes ideas just take off and fly – our 3rd annual Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts is one of them. Set for July 11th to 21st just south of Halifax, it is flourishing…because of our fun events! Who wouldn’t find it magical to see 40 artists from all over the Maritimes set up easels for Paint Peggy’s Cove, on the rocks and in the village? Experience this on July 13th and 14th. Watch for volunteers in vests, carrying fresh art to the yurt set up in the middle of it all – see, bid or buy! It’s such a short drive from Halifax/Dartmouth, Bedford or Chester, who could resist? From other provincial points, it makes a great day or overnight trip!

Peggy’s Cove

On July 11th, Shining Waters Marina hosts the lively kick-off where for $20 you get treated to music, food and art in this great oceanside space. Tickets . While the sun lowers over St. Margaret’s Bay, five artists will create “FRESH FISH” right before your eyes, using various mediums. (For a sample of work, check out a fish by Mary Jane Lundy here.) Don’t “get away” without art! Be the lucky bidder for one of dozens of fine art, fine craft or jewellery pieces on display in a silent auction. Surprises await, like a chance win your auction item, or a night’s accommodation at Century House B&B and a dinner for two at a local restaurant.

If it’s a contemporary blues/touch of jazz concert that you fancy on a summer Saturday night, bookmark July 20^th for our Signature Summer Concert. ECMA award-winning The Hupman Brothers Band and guitarist/saxophonist/singer Ian Sherwood take the stage at this premiere community venue – St. Luke’s United Church, 5374 St. Margaret’s Bay Road. Add an opening act by Jodi Bastian and Aaron Grant from right here in the Bay area to complete the scene. Get a ticket right now and listen here to the Hupmans at last year’s Deep Roots Festival in Wolfville. You can also hear a variety of music all week long at Paul’s Hall in Glen Haven. Book early for the kids’ art button-making project at Tantallon Library on the 17^th, and keep your eyes open for displays of art hosted by local businesses (find out more on the Festival web site!).

Photo Credit: Paula Fredericks

No arts festival would be complete without its Studio Tour– and we have a great one – visit over thirty galleries between Prospect and East River on July 20th and 21st and see the work of 70 artists. Paintings in oil, acrylic and pastels, woodworking, jewellery, photography, pottery/ceramic and a variety of other art forms await. We even have a miniaturist! Open studios and galleries participating include some community halls. Watch for logo signs at main highway exits in the area, local roads and side roads for tucked-away studios. This map will help you find your way! The passport (available at 30 locations) explains how you could win $700 to spend on art.

Photo Credit: Tim L’Esperance

We ‘Celebrate Art’ at a grassroots level, allowing participation of artists at various levels of achievement to take part. With an iconic lighthouse central to our catchment area, and unmistakeable in our logo, we can cast a light on the talent of the many artistic personalities in the Peggy’s Cove area. Now operating with a Board of Directors, and with official ‘not-for-profit’ society status, the festival continues to engage artists, add events, attract sponsorships and promote independent business. We acknowledge the support of Halifax Regional Municipality, Tourism Nova Scotia and a number of local people and organizations so supportive of the arts.

For more information, please contact Paula Fredericks, [email protected]. You can also CLICK HERE to view a full event list and purchase tickets!

Have an event, sale or show coming up? Email us at [email protected]!