Pearl Lorentzen
Lakeside Leader

This feels like a big city event, someone told a Leader reporter at the first annual Art in the Park.

They and many others seemed to have lots of fun at this event on September 11 in Schurter Park in Slave Lake.

Connie Baird with the Lesser Slave Lake Regional Arts Council (RAC) organized the event.

She says, “Considering this was our first attempt at this type of outdoor event and after talking with many attendees, participating artists and art council members, we feel it was a great success with much thanks going to mother nature!”

At the event, vendors sold their art which included: paintings, drawings, wood work, jewelry, blacksmith-made metal work, ribbon skirts, decorative hand towels and more. There was also live music by members of The Jack Pines and Carla Boisvert.

The Slave Lake Writers’ Group had a booth both to recruit members and to offer a fun writing exercise. People from children to seniors took part in the exercise. The Arts Council had some kids crafts and also signup sheets for upcoming fall art workshops. There were also food vendors.

“Discussions have already begun as to how we can make it even better next year,” adds Baird. “And we look forward to another fantastic day of Art In The Park in 2023.”

Jade Ost, from Slave Lake, with some of her drawings at Art in the Park. She mostly works with Sharpie and pencil. She’s been drawing since before she could walk, she says.
Tyler Thompson, from Smith, performs at Art in the Park. He was strumming away at his daughter, Mackenzie’s art booth (see top photo of Mackenzie with her art) and was asked if he wanted to perform. He did two sets. This one and another with Eric McWilliams, fellow band member with The Jack Pine.
Will Leonard, from Beaumont, blacksmithing at Art in the Park. Later in the afternoon on Sept. 11, he taught a blacksmithing workshop in Slave Lake.