Arts and culture in the spotlight at 2024 Stonetown Heritage Festival

The restored heritage Riverwalk Commons building (84 Water St. S.) will host ‘The Artists at Riverwalk Commons' from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 13.The art show and sale will highlight Peter Rice, showcasing his techniques and impressive sculptures available for purchase, and debuting his latest collection of "Quiet Reflections" art cards.  

Bonn Richardson will share pieces from her "The Wonder of Water" show, a collection of watercolour paintings created while snorkeling over coral reefs. Henry Bukenya, a young artist from Uganda, will exhibit his incredible paintings inspired by his unique life experiences.  

“The artists at Riverwalk Commons will highlight the vibrancy that art brings to our community.” says Town of St. Marys Events Coordinator Alanna Bowes. "The show's goal is to highlight the artists’ passion and talent through interactive demonstrations." 

There will also be a display of heritage-themed photos from local photographers along the near by Riverview Walkway. 

Those curious about local heritage can participate in a walking tour or a bus tour. Walking tours depart from Town Hall at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Bus tours leave on the hour, between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., from Town Hall.  

New this year, discover the history of our waterways with river walking tours, led by a local heritage guide starting from Town Hall at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Bus and walking tours will take place on Saturday, last 45 minutes and are free, but advance registration is strongly recommended by calling the St. Marys Museum at 519-284-3556.  

Just east of the downtown fun, the St. Marys Station Gallery, open Wednesday to Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., hosts the selected works of five local and regional artists whose individual works are distinctly different and diverse.  

The performing arts take the stage when The St. Marys Community Players entertain during the downtown street festival, at the intersection of Queen and Wellington streets. Performance times to be announced. 

On Sunday, July 14, culture and the arts take on a green thumb with the return of the St. Marys Horticultural Society’s Garden Tour from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Tour maps will be sold for $10 at Town Hall on July 14 from 12:45 to 3:00 p.m. Contact the Horticultural Society (stmarys.horticulture@gmail.com) for more details. 

For a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, check out the St. Marys Vintage Market pop-up at Riverwalk Commons, happening on Sunday, July 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This 14-vendor market will showcase carefully selected vintage, thrift, and upcycled vendors. 

The full festival schedule is available at www.discoverstmarys.ca/festival. 

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