Martha Stroud of the Before the Summer Art Show and Sale has gone out of her way to invite another group of artists to Gananoque to participate in this annual event held at the Firehall Theatre, 185 South Street, Gananoque, Ontario. Starting as in 2016 as Art at the Inn at the Gananoque Inn and Spa, the event has grown and changed and moved to its present location. In their official tenth year (although not the tenth show thanks to COVID shutting them down for two years) Stroud feels that they have surpassed their standard of quality, and they continue to bring the best artists to Gananoque.

“We may have to wait two more years before celebrating our tenth show, but in the meantime we will continue to bring excellent painters and artisans from around Ontario to Gananoque each spring, and hope that you will come and enjoy the products of their creativity with us, and perhaps take home a new piece or two to brighten your home after a long, cold winter,” she posted on their website www.beforethesummer.com/ .

This year’s featured artists are Kingston’s Adele Webster (www.adelewebster.com/), Liz Schell (textile and fibre arts), Martha Stroud (marthastroudart.weebly.com), Michelle Reid (Instagram: @michellereidartist), and Monika Rosen (www.monikarosen.com); Prince Edward County’s Barbara Högenauer (countystudio.ca/) and Terry Culbert (countystudio.ca/); Brockville’s Eda Brown (www.edabrown.com/), Mike Hart (painter), Monique van Someren (moniquevansomeren.com), Pamela Prince (jewellery); Ottawa’s Jackie Kavanagh (Instagram: @maple_weaves); Gananoque’s Jules Growley (painter); Merrickville’s Laura Kingsbury (Instagram: @laurakingsburyart); Perth’s Laurel Wilson (www.weekly.pondandpine.com); Portland’s Mike Doxey (Instagram: @MIKE.DOXEY); and Odessa’s Stacey Robb (SRobbCreativeStudio.com).

Much of the work is outdoor themed and filled with vibrant colour. Texture also quite often plays a part, and the pieces are fresh and exciting.

“We’re very excited about this show – expect a great mix of traditional and new styles and works to brighten up your home or business,” said Stroud. “With spring comes new life, new hope, and new art. The Before the Summer Show features the work of a select group of 17 artisans and artists. The show will take place on May 2, 6-9 p.m., May 3, 10-5, and May 4, 10-4. There will be a wide variety of art available, from paintings to collage to jewellery to multimedia. There is definitely something for everyone and admission is free.”