Art on the Street returns to downtown Guelph for 23rd year with new mural festival
Nearly a hundred artists lined Quebec Street in downtown Guelph for Art of the Street. July 16, 2016
Downtown Guelph's signature open-air art fair returns this weekend, bringing with it a day full of creativity, community and colour — and a brand-new mural festival.
Art on the Street, now in its 23rd year, takes over Quebec Street on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature a mix of ceramics, textiles, paintings, photography, jewelry and more — all presented directly by the artists.
'Art on the Street is the heartbeat of summer in downtown Guelph,' said Sam Jewell, event co-organizer, in a media release. 'It's more than just a celebration of visual art — it's a celebration of the people who create it, and the community that supports them.'
This year's featured poster artist is Heejung Shin, whose work will appear in promotional materials throughout the city.
New for 2025 is the launch of the Guelph Mural Festival, running concurrently from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Five muralists will create large-scale artworks live on-site in the parking lot between RBC and The Bookshelf. Once completed, the murals will be installed throughout downtown Guelph.
The day also includes a range of family-friendly activities. The Children's Art Factory will host a Mini Makers Market at Simply Wonderful Toys, where young creators can sell their handmade goods in lemonade-stand-style booths. The Guelph Public Library will run outdoor art activities and offer sign-ups for its Summer Reading Club from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Over in St. George's Square, Play with Clay will lead hands-on pottery activities. The Suzuki String School of Guelph will be on-site with their popular musical 'petting zoo' for kids.
Art on the Street is co-presented by the Downtown Guelph Business Association and has grown into Guelph's largest outdoor art exhibition and sale since it began in 2003.
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