Artists Wilfred Saulnier and Ethel Saulnier's sculpture entitled "Coming Home From the Party" is this year's Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival raffle prize. Photo: NS Folk Art Festival.
This weekend the 34th annual Lunenburg Folk Art Festival will take place, showcasing over 50 local folk artists from around Atlantic Canada.
Sue Kelly, chairperson for the volunteer group managing the festival, says the unique style and flare of folk art is what keeps the festival alive and popular.
“Folk art is spontaneous art that comes from the heart as it was made with spontaneous items that could be driftwood, it could be metal but it is readily identifiable. When you come to the venue it is a very vibrant, very happening place.”
Kelly also says it’s a great way to develop a loving relationship with art as folk art is so approachable. “When compared to fine art, folk art if typically far more affordable making it an option for more people,” Kelly said. “We have families who have a tradition of getting a piece of artwork for their children every year and by the time they’re teenagers they have a full collection.”
Pieces of folk art sold at the festival can be found for prices as low as $25 according to Kelly.
Lines typically form early outside of the Lunenburg Arena on the morning of the event as some artists have particularly passionate fans who want to be the first to get a chance to purchase some artwork.
This year’s event is taking place on Sunday, August 4, with the doors opening at noon.
An entrance fee of $5 will be collected. Kids under age 12 get free admission.
You can find more information about which artists will be attending this year’s festival on the Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival website.
