EVANSVILLE—Artist and Manitoulin resident Gail Andrews loves good art and the people who make it. What began as a dream to utilize her Evansville property to host the art community and welcome visitors came true this past weekend. The event ran from 10 am to 4 pm on August 10 and 11. The site of the festival is also a seasonal glamping resort, with bell tents and a communal cooking space, outdoor shower, washrooms and sea shanty themed wifi and charging hut.
The configuration was intentionally organic with booths set up along the sprawling waterfront property, nestled in woods of maple trees with winding paths. “I wanted everyone to spread out at their leisure so visitors could discover the artists and their work. Rather than straight rows of booths, where people just walk by, we wanted to create an atmosphere that encourages engagement between artists and visitors. We have had incredible feedback about the event,” Ms. Andrews told The Expositor.
“At one time I thought I was going to put them out here in the sunshine together, and then when the weather was questionable and we have space, I mixed everybody up,” she continued. “And that’s the ticket. You mix them up. I’m going for an atmosphere where people to want to come and stay, experience the place, have some food, like everything is here that you need. And all the artists, I encourage, whatever your art medium is, take enough space to create while you’re here, because it inspires people.”
When asked about her vision for future festivals Ms. Andrews said, “I’m just trying to better it. So, the glamping betters the festival. The festival betters the glamping. We’re already brainstorming all of the things to do. I don’t want to charge an entry fee, ever. It’s just not my thing. First goal was to be able to get it off the ground and move it forward that its successful enough to do it again. And it’s clear that it is,” she says, motioning to the busy grounds.
