This Saturday at 2pm, the White Rabbit Open Air Arts Festival there will be BBQs and campfires at the Red Clay Farm in Upper Economy, yes, but only after an enriching day of artistic development (and a nightly fire spectacle). The festival, organized by Andrew Maize, is in its third year and promises not to disappoint with “lots of workshops, talks and skillshares,” says Maize. “Including beatboxing and a napping in a hammock workshop.” That’s funny, because I wasn’t asked to run my napping masterclass this weekend. There will be a pirate ship, an opera and a mini-radio station—Red Clay Radio—meant to keep lonely artists toiling in the fields connected while they work, so bring a portable radio to tune in.
Fourteen artists have been working with mentors Michael Waterman, Linda Rae Dornan, WhiteFeather Hunter and Michael Fernandes, and will display their work this weekend. The residency is designed to get artists away from pressures of everyday jobs,” says Maize. “Everyone slows their pace and they’re able to relax and begin to work again.”
Come for the weekend in the country, stay for the farm fresh food, installations, performances and music by Julia Feltham, Gown, The Elastic Big Band and Ben Caplan and the Casual Smokers. See www.whiterabbitarts.ca for more info.
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This article appears in Aug 18-24, 2011.
