Headwaters Arts Festival

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Discover a world of vibrant fall colours and artistic wonders in the beautiful Headwaters region. From September 15th to October 9th, Headwaters Arts opens their doors for one of Ontario’s most respected annual Arts Festivals. This year, the festival features three key events bridging artistic disciplines, as well as a two-week Juried Show & Sale exhibition.

Visit the charming and historic village of Alton for the just day, or plan an overnight stay at one of the first-class local resorts - the Headwaters region is full of unique attractions to awaken your senses, including craft beers, cider, and one of a kind local restaurants.

The Opening Night Celebration takes place at 7pm, Friday, September 15th, at the Alton Mill Arts Centre in Caledon, and marks the launch of the prestigious Annual Juried Show & Sale. Meet the talented visual artists, from across Ontario, whose works have been selected by a panel of esteemed jurors (Emily McKibbon, MacLaren Art Centre; Alice Teichert, multidisciplinary artist; Koen Vanderstukken, Glass Department at Sheridan College) and curated by Darrell Keenie of the Dufferin County Museum and Archives. This year, the jury selected 42 artists with submissions from 120 individuals. Enjoy live music by a classical and Celtic harp and flute duo, hors d’oeuvres from Lavender Blue, and beverages from local favourites Adamo Estate Winery, Goodlot Farmstead Brewing Co., and Pommies Cider Co., in a stunning historic setting. Ticket sales for this event ($25, tax inclusive) and art purchases support Headwaters Arts. Mini-masterpieces, donated by a number of artists, will be available for purchase ($35, plus tax) with proceeds going towards Headwaters Arts.
 
Don’t miss The Big Blues Party! Local Blues legend Larry Kurtz and his hot solo band The Lawbreakers are live at 8pm on Friday, September 29th. This is a new addition to the Headwaters Arts Festival this year; bring your friends to the Alton Mill and get ready for a night of dancing, drinking, and eating. Tickets are $30, tax inclusive, and this concert is a fundraiser for Headwaters Arts. Enjoy original blues tunes, performed by first-class musicians, and contribute directly to developing sustainable arts and culture in the Headwaters region!
 
Get comfy and settle in for Monday Night at the Movies on October 2nd with a special screening of Cezanne et moi at Galaxy Cinemas in Orangeville. This historical drama follows the lifelong friendship between renowned French artists, post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne and the novelist and playwright Emile Zola. Tickets are $14, tax inclusive; doors open at 6pm, and the film begins at 7pm. Monday Night at the Movies runs in partnership with the Film Circuit, a division of the Toronto International Film Festival Group. For more information, visit mondaynightmovies.ca.
 
The Juried Art Show & Sale will be open to the public for free throughout the festival until October 1st at the Alton Mill (9am-5pm, Wednesday to Sunday, and Thanksgiving Monday, October the 9th). Enjoy this exhibition with more than 70 artworks in different media by over 40 artists, and take in other activities at the Mill; including an opening in Gallery GemmaCulture Days Heritage Tours and Open Studios, a new exhibition by Janet Simmons Sweet, a Headwaters Members Exhibit in the Falls Gallery, as well as workshops and classes in the hive and with CJ Shelton.
 
Tickets for individual Headwaters Arts Festival events are available at the Headwaters Arts Gallery in the Alton Mill Arts Centre, at BookLore in Orangeville, or online at headwatersarts.com.

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Artist showing their art to two visitors in a bright studio

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