Amherstburg Art Crawl captures the sights, stories and spirit of local creatives

Event aims to promote local artists and strengthen the role of the arts in the community.

Organized by the Art Amherstburg Society, the event aims to promote local artists and strengthen the role of the arts in the community. The volunteer-run, not-for-profit group uses proceeds from the annual event to support future projects, including public murals and other arts initiatives. Now in its third year, organizers say the event continues to grow as Amherstburg builds on its reputation as a destination for arts and culture.

Local artist Cameron Arksey has seen that evolution unfold firsthand. Arksey, who grew up in the area and returned several years later, said he has felt embraced by both local artists and residents who continue to place greater value on creativity in the community. “It’s home,” Arksey told the Star.

“And it’s better than ever.” He said Amherstburg has become a place with more opportunities and experiences while still holding onto the small-town charm that has long defined it. “The town has become exciting in the past few years, which is an incredible evolution to experience,” Arksey said.

“I think a lot of us are prouder and prouder to be locals with each and every Open Air weekend, festival and program catering to a diverse and vibrant population.” MacDonald said she was excited to see an event that highlights artists who work outdoors and capture the community around them. “I think it’s fantastic.

It’s great that they are promoting plein air artists,” she said. “This is my passion in life — to paint outside, just like the Group of Seven did.” She said Amherstburg provides plenty of inspiration.

“Amherstburg is so beautiful,” she added. “There’s so much to do and see here that I really love the area.” The weekend also featured the unveiling of two new murals, including one by artist David Creed celebrating Boblo Island.

Creed said creating the mural brought back memories of family trips, school outings and the rides that defined generations of visitors. “Not a lot of islands in the world get to say they were an amusement park,” he said. “We’re just so lucky to have it here.”

He hopes the mural encourages people to share their own Boblo stories while helping preserve the history of the island for future generations. “I hope this mural triggers some wonderful memories for anyone who experienced Boblo Amusement Park,” Creed said.