This December, join in some local events in the spirit of Christmas and of community. Spend an evening participating in a parade, or buy some home-grown handmade gifts at a local art and craft sale. A few of these events are listed here, and many more will crop up during the Christmas season. Don’t forget about church fundraisers and donations to local shelters and food banks!
Calling all artists: submissions are open for a multi-arts festival to happen at King George School in 2021! Erring at King George is in the making, and the deadline for submissions is February 2nd, 2020. And another hopping First Friday in downtown Peterborough is coming our way on Friday, December 6th.
Open studios and markets on First Friday in downtown Peterborough on December 6
The ever-popular First Friday art crawl returns to downtown Peterborough on Friday, December 6th.
Artists Victoria Wallace, Marcia Watt, and Miguel Hernandez will once again be opening their shared studio space at 280 Perry Street (Unit 10A) to the public. They will be open from 6 p.m. until around 10 p.m. There will be live music by singer and guitarist extraordinaire, Mitchell Wallace, who just happens to be Victoria’s brother! The music starts at at 7:30 p.m. and, in keeping with the season, there will be a series of smaller paintings in oils, encaustic, and acrylic media up for sale. Drop by for light refreshments, and a festive atmosphere!
Ash Nayler’s new photography studio at 140 Hunter Street West (on the third floor) will also be open to the public on the same evening from 6 until 11 p.m. with a selection of tasty nibbles, a signature cocktail, and a selection of local makers selling handmade goods.
VIDEO: First Friday Art Crawl
At Atelier Ludmila (129 1/2 Hunter Street West, second floor), you will find a Winter Market featuring art and handcrafted goodies.
Of course, don’t forget to pop by Acme Art and Sailboat Company and the Copper Closet (129-1/2 Hunter Street West, 3rd floor), Watson & Lou (383 Water Street), and Meta4 Gallery (164 Hunter Street West) to see what they have up their sleeves!
This holiday season, there is really no excuse not to shop local with markets around absolutely every corner.
For more details on First Friday, including a map, visit firstfridayptbo.com and follow First Friday Peterborough on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Holiday Craft Sale at the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre in Peterborough on December 7
On Saturday, December 7th, you can drop by the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre in Peterborough to kick off your Christmas shopping.
There will be baked goods, crafts, refreshments and more. Open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. you will have lots of time to peruse the goods — and then pop over to the the Artisan Fair in Peterborough’s East City and the Finer Things Show and Sale in downtown Peterborough (more details below).
The Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre is located at 580 Cameron Street (south of Kenner Collegiate) in Peterborough. The centre can be reached by phone at 705-775-0387. For more information about the holiday craft fair or to book a table, email Diane Sheridan at apn@nogofc.ca.
Artisan Fair at Mark Street United Church in Peterborough’s East City on December 7
On Saturday, December 7th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be lots to see at The Artisan Fair at Mark Street United Church in Peterborough’s East City.
Featuring handmade jewellery, pottery, fine woodworking, knitting and more, you will find wares from artisans around the area. Check it out before or after visiting the Holiday Craft Sale at the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, and afterwards you can head over to the Finer Things Show and Sale in downtown Peterborough.
The Artisan Fair is located at Mark St. United Church at 90 Hunter Street East in Peterborough. To see some of the items that will be available, visit facebook.com/artisanfair/.
Finer Things Show and Sale at Seeds of Change on downtown Peterborough on December 7
On Saturday, December 7th from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Finer Things Show and Sale will be bringing you a spectacular pop-up marketplace with treats, draws, and more.
Drop by and see their selection of finely crafted treasures by regional artists and makers.
Vendors include Aitkin and Hyde, Bella Grey, Brad Copping, Carnival of Kitsch, Charcoal and Rose Petals, Christianna Furguson, Christy Haldane, David Hickey, Fanciful Dolls, Hard Winter Bread Company, Kawartha Lakes Fudge, Keetarella, L’immaginaria, Little Miss Knotty, Messervey Works, Modelia, Olive Cedar Studios, Petals and Elizabeth, Rob Niezen, the Sewing Collective, Sweet Song Herbals, and Wooden Alternatives.
There will be a $5 admission charge, part of which will go towards a bursary for after school programming at the event’s organizer Madderhouse Textile Studios.
To peruse vendors ahead of time, visit finerthingsshow.ca.
The Finer Things Show and Sale takes place at Seeds of Change, located in Emmanuel United Church at 534 George Street North in downtown Peterborough.
15th annual Focus Fair at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough on December 14th and 15th
For the last 15 years, a group of local artists and makers have been organizing the Focus Fair, an indie holiday arts and crafts sale.
Featuring handmade textiles, visual art, skincare products, letterpress prints, cards, kids accessories, and more, there will be lots to see as you enjoy the festive atmosphere.
The Focus Fair will be be held at The Theatre on King at 171 King Street in downtown Peterborough. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 14th and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 15th.
Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Parade and Pantomime in downtown Peterborough on December 21
On Saturday, December 21st, members of the community are invited to celebrate the winter solstice by gathering at the Peterborough Public Library Commons to join in this annual lantern parade and drummer-led dance through the streets of downtown Peterborough.
The parade will bring you to Peterborough Square where a pantomime will be enacted with live music. There, foxes, crows, wolves and other woodland creatures will tell you the story of Granny and Starchild, a play to delight one and all.
Grab your lanterns and join in the fun! This event begins on Saturday, December 21st at 6 p.m. beside the Peterborough Public Library (southwest corner of Simcoe and Aylmer streets).
Peterborough multi-arts festival Erring at King George now accepting applications
Artspace in Peterborough is now accepting proposals for Erring at King George, a multi-arts festival presented in partnership with Public Energy Performing Arts and the Art Gallery of Peterborough.
Professional, emerging, mid-career and senior artists, along with curators and collectives working in all mediums, are encouraged to apply. They are looking for site-specific pieces that take the history of King George Public School in Peterborough’s East City into account.
Experimental and socially engaged proposals are encouraged. The proposals can be for one space or for multiple spaces inside King George Public School, or the exterior and the grounds around the building.
The submission deadline is February 2, 2020, with the festival scheduled to take place in May 2021.
For more information about the site or the application process, visit artspace-arc.org/calls/call-for-submission/ or contact Hannah Keating at hannah@artspace-arc.org or 705-748-3883.
