Dates: August 15 – 16

Digby is hosting Tall Ships as part of Canada 150 celebrations this August. We are currently looking for local artists to show off the best of their artwork during these two days. We want to showcase the talented artists who call the Digby Area home by providing a free space right downtown to set up and display (and sell) their work. 

What we are looking for:

• Artisans from the local Digby and Annapolis areas will be given priority in designating spaces (including Weymouth, Digby Neck and Islands, Bear River, Granville Ferry etc)
• We are looking for a variety of artworks. From woodworking to jewelry, metal work, chainsaw sculptures, rug hooking, quilts, painting: you name it. 
• Any live demonstrations are encouraged. Whether it is bringing a few of your tools as conversation pieces, or working on an art piece on the spot. We want to draw people in, wow them, amaze them. 

Please send in:

• Name and home address
• Picture and/or description of your artwork (website, Facebook page, any way to give us an idea of your work and to help us feature your work online in the coming months)
• Any equipment/power needs. Whether you will need a table, number of chairs, power nearby. Just let us know so we can arrange for any necessaries
• Preferred times (you can opt for half a day, or setup for both full days, the choice is yours). We have different times lots available, as we recognize not all will be able to set up all day for two days. For Tuesday the time slots are from 10am to 3pm and from 3pm to 8pm (stays past 8pm are at the artists free choice). For Wednesday the time slot options are from 10.30am to 2pm and from 2pm to 5pm (stays past 5pm on Wednesday are welcome at the artists choice).

Contact:

digbytallships@gmail.com 

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from the Digby Courier:

Sara Ericsson sara.ericsson@tc.tc
Published on March 27, 201 ©TC Media
DIGBY, NS – Digby is calling for artists and musicians interested in participating in the Rendez-vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta event in DIgby this summer.

The event’s theme is ‘Rhythms of the Seas,’ which looks to showcase Digby’s artistic flare and culture. The event will be part of Canada 150 celebrations, with an emphasis on local talent, and will be held Aug. 15 and 16 in Digby Town.

“We have so much musical and artistic talent here, from African drumming and Acadian chansons to Celtic sessions,” says committee member Saskia Geerts.

“All of this music has been inspired by the sea over the years, and we want to showcase the variety we’ve got.”

Mayor Ben Cleveland is also on the organizing committee. He says their aim for music is “constant musical entertainment on both days. People will experience different kinds of music at every stage.”

“When the tall ships leave, we want people to say, ‘wow, that was really something,’” he says.

Artists will be set up at the War Memorial, where they will display their wares and art pieces. Some will also be creating art live while explaining how they do it.

“Rug-hooking, painting, jewelry, ceramics, you name it, and Digby’s got it. We’re aiming for a wide variety of mediums,” says Geerts.

Cleveland hopes many artists apply, since many are shy and create art in private at their own homes.

“I want them to take advantage of this – to set up and show people what amazing things they can do,” he says.

The response has been great so far, but the committee still wants more people to apply to make sure all those interested are considered. Buskers are also encouraged to perform throughout Digby Town, but must contact the committee before the event.

Event organizers are looking to draw talent from Digby and Annapolis areas, since both counties share the Annapolis Basin and its history. Shuttle busses between Annapolis Royal and Digby will run Tuesday and Wednesday during the event.

Annapolis Royal will also have a huge fireworks display to celebrate the tall ships.

“This is the first place many explorers, such as Samuel de Champlain, arrived on tall ships in Canada. It’s fitting for this to be a 150 event since it’s where it all started,” says Geerts.

Musicians have until the end of March to apply. There are 25 separate time slots each day for music, and performers will be paid. Artists are encouraged to apply by the end of March or beginning of April.

To apply, email digbytallships@gmail.com. Written letters of application can also be dropped off at Digby’s Town Hall.