The arts are being profoundly affected by COVID-19. Live performers, musicians and artisans have seen their live shows cancelled, and retail or gallery spaces close. While some sectors of the economy slowly re-open, artists will continue to struggle with uncertain futures.
Pelee Island is fortunate to have had some prominent writers, musicians and artists charmed by her graces, in addition to three organizations that support and promote the arts.
The 7th Annual Island Unplugged Music Festival is a project of Pelee Island Cultural Events and was set to take place at East Park Campground on Pelee Island on August 14 and 15.
In past years, the two-day music festival has brought over 60 folk, indie, roots rock, blues and alt country acts to the remote island. Canadian acts like Great Lake Swimmers, Elliott Brood, The Strumbellas, The Sadies and more have performed among the trees and under the stars.
The music is plugged in — it’s you that is unplugged. With little access to internet and spotty cell service on Pelee Island, unplugging is unavoidable. This not-for-profit festival was jointly founded by Pelee Art Works and The Pelee Island Heritage Centre and is organized and run exclusively by volunteers.
The Island Unplugged is cancelled for 2020. It has not yet been determined whether 2021 is a go, and if so, when.
To learn more about the festival, past performers and updates on future dates visit theislandunplugged.org.
Stone & Sky is a weekly music, spoken word, live art and theatre series that takes place in a quarry in the southwest corner of the island. Stone & Sky is funded in part by the Ontario Arts Council and the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Due to COVID-19, performances that would have brought more than 80 individual performers to the island over the summer had to be cancelled. Additionally, four youth employment positions were lost.
Stone & Sky revisited their plans for 2020 and were able to hold small live performances in Windsor beginning on June 28th featuring Allison Brown, D.A. Lockhart, and Collette Broeders, who also did a residency. Four more concerts were planned through the end of August featuring musical, literary, and visual artists.
To learn more about this eclectic series and updates visit stoneandsky.org.
Pelee Art Works is a local artists’ co-op showcasing the work of local and regional artists and artisans. The retail store is located in a historical church outbuilding on the southwest corner of the island.
Pelee Art Works is operated by Pelee Island Community Arts, a registered charity that has a 25-year history of supporting the arts, artist endeavors and community cooperation. When visitors shop at Pelee Art Works they are not only supporting local artisans directly — they are supporting a registered charity that in turn supports the arts on the island for the greater good.
Favourite finds include beach glass jewelry, hand loomed rugs, vintage photography and Pelee Island beachscapes on canvas. Art Works is open Thursday to Monday weekly, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit peleeartworks.org.
Photos by Cathy Miller
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Cathy + Kevin Miller
InnKeeps
The Wandering Dog Inn
www.thewanderingdoginn.com
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