Summerside Arts Festival in full swing

SUMMERSIDE – The pandemic didn’t stop the Summerside Arts Festival last year, and Marlene Campbell, programming coordinator for Culture Summerside, was determined to keep it running this year, too.

“It’s really nice that people can walk around again and talk with the artists and be a little bit closer,” said Campbell.

The annual festival began in 2005 to highlight local artists and artisans and educate people on the importance of culture for a vibrant community.

In its first year, the festival began with a small concert on stage at Wyatt Heritage Properties.

According to Campbell, the festival has grown every year since.

Last summer was successful despite its simplicity – a drive-thru art show, with artists placed among the paintings, said Campbell.

This year, though, the festival was back in full swing, big as it ever was. Between artisans at work on the lawn, musicians on stage, art exhibits and workshops at the Eptek Centre, more than 150 artists participated in the 2021 Summerside Arts Festival between Monday, July 19 and Wednesday, July 20.