​We are forming a steering committee to run the Cabin Fever Creative Expo. We will hold our first steering committee meeting  May 22, 2024, from 7 to 9 pm at the Renaissance Centre.  Cabin Fever Creative Expo will run from April 25 to 27, 2025.

The event is one of many special events that will celebrate the City’s 70th anniversary. we plan to engage the entire community. We believe that creativity is a universal quality! We are seeking volunteers to join the committee from any interest group in the community.

Our vision is a menu of interactive events that will engage residents and visitors alike. Learn, see and do with imagination is our goal. We are offering small groups and individuals the opportunity to participate through our BYOV option – Bring Your Own Venue.

We will rent larger venues in the City for major Expo activities. We encourage individuals to work with local restaurants or retailers to create events.  We will promote all the activities of the Expo, acting as event producer, providing the administrative and marketing infrastructure.

You can meet one of our members, Cornelia Svela, at the meet-the-artist event Saturday, May 18 from 1 to 3 PM at the Timber Village Museum gallery in Blind River. 

Cornelia Svela (nee Monden) is a self-taught artist who resides in Elliot Lake, ON. She devotes her time to painting the Northern Ontario landscape.

“I’m inspired by the restorative powers of nature through the seasons. With this art exhibition, I hope to share my life experiences, my observations and explorations.”

The exhibition runs from May 16 to July 1, 2024.

From time to time, we will post an article about a career in the Arts that may be unfamiliar to many.  Today's topic is Art Therapy...specifically...a combination of the creative process and psychotherapy. The Canadian Art Therapy Association has a website that explains the fundamentals.

While there you may download a selection of brochures that describe the benefits of Art Therapy for children, seniors and people who have experienced trauma.  Find them here.

According to the website, becoming an Art Therapist is not for those who want to qualify quickly. A Master's diploma or degree is a minimum. A clinical practicum is also a requirement.

A quick search of the employment site Indeed, using the keyword search art therapist, delivers a number of jobs that require Art Therapy qualifications.  The hourly pay range is listed at $60 to $100. (That is Canadian.)

Takes place May 15, 2024 at the Royal Canadian Legion, Elliot Lake from 7:30 to 9:30 PM. This is the third public announcement informing our members of the time and date of the event.

Our AGM is public, however you must be a member in good-standing in order to vote on crucial matters that will be raised during the meeting. An agenda is being prepared and will be distributed after April 29, 2024.

Membership fees may be paid online - here.  If you are already a member in good-standing and would like to lock in your membership dues for 2024-2025, renew now.  One of the items on which we will vote at the AGM will be an increase membership dues.

Membership not only entitles you to vote at the AGM. There are other perks, like free promotion of your event or performance if you are an affiliate member.  Promotion is through our e-newsletter; online events calendar and our Facebook pages.  Individual members who perform are entitled to the same promotional opportunities.

Elliot Lake's own Exceptional Puppeteers return for two performances in May 2024. The talented group of thespians will perform in the ELSS gym at 6 PM on May 10 and 2 PM on May 11, 2024. Tickets are $10 each.  To purchase call 705.261.2469.

Many ARIEL members will present their work for sale at the first of four annual craft shows in 2024.  Jewellery makers, painters, quilters, knitters, cardmakers, bakers, and woodworkers are just some of the people you will meet.

If you have never attended one of these before, we encourage you to arrive early.  So many people arrive just after 1:30 PM (The show ends at 2 PM) surprised to learn they only half an hour to browse. Speed browsing at one of these is unsatisfactory - trust us!

A really great benefit of attending one of these shows is the opportunity to meet the creators. Most of them are just like you, residents of Elliot Lake. Many spend the winter creating in preparation for the sales in spring, summer and fall.

The big holiday craft show is in November - specifically in 2024, November 9. It is often the largest craft show of the year.  The Arts Club sets the date so that you have plenty of time to purchase your holiday gifts.

Can you use credit cards when shopping? Many of the crafters accept credit cards, so be sure to ask, if they haven't made it clear. Cash is accepted by all, if in doubt.

The other two craft shows will occur on June 15 and September 14. All will be held at Collins Hall.  Consider attending, if only to see, the diversity and talent of your neighbours.

.The 2024 Elliot Lake Arts Club event Arts on the Trail occurs September 28, 2024. Participation registration has been extended until May 4, 2024. A $10 late fee is now included in the registration fee. To pay your registration fee online click this link.

Arts on the Trail is a free event for visitors seeking to spend a day meeting artists and experiencing their work. Visitors will encounter woodworkers, painters, weavers, jewellery artisans, and potters. There is something for everyone who values the Visual Arts.

How to register
Arts on the Trail is a juried exhibition.  Any artist may apply, but not all applicants receive permission to display their work. If you are interested in registering to exhibit, read the details here.

A limited amount of billeting is available for exhibitors. Don't delay if you want to billet.

Sponsorships
Mounting the exhibition is costly. Venues charge for their exhibition space. Signs need to be printed, as well as advertising campaigns. If you want to put your name in front of about 1,000 visitors on the day, sponsorships are available.  Details can be found here.

Mark your calendars
September 28th will be during the heart of the display of fall colours. Elliot Lake is surrounded by forests of ablaze for autumn.  The City is a two hour drive from Sudbury or Sault Ste. Marie. Mark your calendars and plan for a day out.