Artists on the Fringe of Culture Days

Art is everywhere — and this weekend is a national celebration of the creation and culture that surrounds everyday life.

From Sept. 28 to 30, thousands of arts organizations across the country are opening their doors to the public. Everyone is welcome to get “behind the scenes” to discover the world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators, designers and other creative people in the community. All events are free, and allow art enthusiasts to get as close to the arts as possible.

In Greater Sudbury, there are nearly 20 groups opening their doors for the event.

One of the highlights of the local Culture Days is the Fringe Tour.

The annual event, held at Heather Topp's Studio 276, brings together more than 20 creative minds in one space. Visual artists who work in a variety of mediums will have pieces on display in the gallery. Located downtown at 276 Cedar St., the Fringe is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 29 and 30.

Marliese Schoenefeld, who paints acrylic landscapes, looks forward to the show every year.

“I really enjoy being able to show my paintings with other artists,” she said. Interacting and being inspired by other artists is a pleasant change from working alone in her small home studio.

“I think we're all very enthusiastic about what we do,” Schoenefeld said. “You don't feel that sense of competition.”

Photo artists Kathy Browning and Nick Dubecki are returning to the tour this year for that sense of community.

“This is the most artists under one roof,” Browning said. “It's the best. Everyone contributes their artwork. We all get along great. It's a collaborative of visual arts.”

Other veteran artists like Darlene Dardick, Bonnie Hallay and Lib Dornbush are looking forward to returning to the annual expose.

“It's a marvellous place to show,” Dornbush said. “There's always an 'atmosphere' around Heather (Topp's) shows.”

The gallery owner said bringing so many talented artists to her space makes it easy to to build a show.

“It's shared work,” she said. “Everybody comes and helps. It ends up being fun — it's worth it for that.”

The Fringe is just one of many events happening throughout the weekend.
The Sudbury Arts Tour is also taking place Culture Days weekend. Some 40 area artists have pieces displayed at 21 studios throughout the city.

Linda Mullola is one of the artists inviting guests to her home studio. The landscape artist said she likes the idea of showing off her workspace to guests.

“People get to see where artists actually work,” she said. “They might see them out, but they don't know where they actually paint.”

Some artists on the Sudbury Art Tour share spaces during the tour, but the Mullola simply has too much new work to showcase.

“I have more paintings than I've ever had,” she said.

Her Sunnyside Road studio will be filled with about 35 paintings — half of which are brand new.

For a full list of artists on the Sudbury ArtsTour, visit www.scarf.ca.

While the visual arts shows are highlights of Culture Days, they are certainly not inclusive. Other groups are showcasing music, performing arts and more.

The celebration of arts officially kicks off at Tom Davies Square Sept. 28 at 4:30 p.m.

Everyone is invited to gather in the foyer, where the Culture Days parade will arrive. Performances and presentations from guest speakers begin at 5 p.m.

For more information about the festival, or local groups taking part, visit www.culturedays.ca.

Sudbury celebrates Culture Days

RAG RUG WEAVING DEMONSTRATION-Watch the creation of rag rugs, Sep 28, 10 am-3 pm, Finlandia Village.

FINNISH BREAD BAKING-Learn to make pulla, Sep 29, 10 am-12 pm, Finlandia Village.

FROM OUR OWN HANDS-Ukrainian Heritage Day, Sep 29, 12-3 pm, 30 Notre Dame Ave.

HIMMELI WORKSHOP-Learn to make traditional Finnish Christmas ornaments, Sep 29, 2-3:30 pm, Finlandia Village.

LAND OF THE VOYAGEURS STUDIO TOUR-Artists from French River-Nipissing, Sep 29, 10 am-6 pm, French River, frcic.com.

MUSIC AND WINE-A CULTURAL PAIRING-Culture Days celebration hosted by Sudbury Arts Council, Sep 28, 7:30-10 pm, Jubilee Centre.

CELLO CAFE-Music by Alexandra Lee, Sep 30, 11 am-2 pm, Fromagerie Elgin.

ART GALLERY OF SUDBURY-Tours of current exhibitions, Sep 29, 11 am-12 pm, Sep 30, 3 pm-4 pm, Art Gallery of Sudbury.

JAMIE RUDDY-Fine art photography, Sep 29, 10 am-3 pm, Sep 30, 10 am-3 pm, Queen St.

STUCK ON POETRY-Magnetic poetry fun, Sep 29, 1-4 pm, Sep 30, 1-4 pm, NISA.

RETHINK WASTE-Make tin can butterflies, Sep 29, 1-4 pm, Sep 30, 1-4 pm, NISA.

ARTISTS LOFT-Exhibition and sale, Sep 29, 10-5 pm, Sep 30, 10-5 pm, NISA.

FABIAN HYNES-Open studio, Sep 29, 10 am-6 pm, Sep 30, 10 am-6 pm, 122 Durham St., Studio 205.

HOW LUCKY ARE YOU?-Mexican 'bingo' and art, Sep 28, 4-9 pm, Sep 29, 10 am-8 pm, Sep 30, 11 am-6 pm, 122 Durham St., Studio 210.