Plenty of art happenings in King
By Bill Rea

The arts scene in King is very busy these days, and a lot more is planned.

Arts Society King (ASK) president Garry Conway recently updated Township councillors on what's happened and what's in the works.

One of the big upcoming highlights is the 2007 edition of Arts Festival King, which is set to run July 14 to 22, with Studio Tour King taking up the last two days of the festival. Conway made a point of inviting councillors to take in the events, which will include the ASK Soiree the evening of July 15. The week will also feature a heritage walking tour of Schomberg, a craft show, garden tour, art camp at the museum and numerous workshops through out the week.

Conway pointed to a number of accomplishments since ASK was formed about two years ago. They include the creations of local artists that are now on display in the lobby of the Township offices in King City. He said there are not a lot of locations to display art in King, so this is a real bonus.

He added there was a meeting in February with various community and arts groups in the township. The session saw a lot of information being exchanged, and the participants agreed to contribute to a community calendar, so the numerous events could be listed and groups planning activities can schedule them so as to avoid conflicts. A threemonth list of events is included in the Summer edition of Tapestry Magazine.

He also said ASK was involved in the unveiling of ceremonial totem polls at King City Secondary School recently, as well as displays of the works of some of the art students of Maryann Darrigo at the library in King City recently.

Conway added they are hoping to have a mini arts festival for younger artists. "That's still in the works," he remarked.

He also pointed to the recent concert put on by the Corona Guitar Quartet at the King Township Museum, commenting on how several groups and individuals got together to put that show together quickly.

"It was a singularly spectacular event," he declared. "It was absolutely stupendous."

In addition, ASK has been involved in community showings of several environmentally related movies, in conjunction with the King Township Public Library, the Dufferin Marsh Committee and Cold Creek Forest and Wildlife Area. They included An Inconvenient Truth, with former American vicepresident Al Gore.

Conway expressed thanks for the assistance they have received from Township staff, especially Catherine Purcell and Laura Campbell of the Township's Parks, Recreation and Culture Department, as well as council for its financial support.

Councillor Bill Cober offered congratulations on what the group has accomplished so far.

Keep up the good work, because I know the community is certainly enjoying your heard work," he commented.