WATCH: One of our region’s most treasured landmarks and most popular tourist attractions has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. But this week, Peggy’s Cove is in the spotlight for the right reasons. Global’s Natasha Pace reports.
HALIFAX — It’s not their typical setting, but as part of the area’s Festival of the Arts, artists from across Nova Scotia are taking part in the 5th annual Paint Peggy’s Cove event.
“I love to paint, and I love Peggy’s Cove, and I love to paint boats and old fish shacks, that’s my favorite thing,” says artist JoAnn Muise.
For the past few days, 35 artists have traded in their studios for the beauty of Peggy’s Cove.
“The scenery is unbelievable here, people come from all over the world to look at it and we have it right here in our back pocket, so coming out to paint here is a pleasure really,” says Suzanne Hastings-James, artist.
The idea is for local artists to produce as many paintings as possible, while on location.
“It can be a bit unnerving, people are very interested and they ask a lot of really good questions, its good to interact with the visitors to know what we’re doing and how we’re doing it and why we’re doing it, so it’s a great opportunity for that,” says Paulette Melanson, who completed four paintings as part of the festival.
Once a painting is complete, it’s taken to the nearby art yurt and priced to sell. In total, there are more than 300 pieces of art up for grabs. There was also a children’s area, where the next generation of young artists got some hands on experience.
“The artists really enjoy it, many artists aren’t able to paint outside, but our artists love painting outside because they get the freshness and they get the immediacy and the air is there,” says Naomi Lavine, Organizer.
For many artists, the event is a chance to try something new and interact with the public. “So many times, people think that artists are elitist or non communicative or they know nothing about marketing and that’s not true. it’s a wonderful way for people to say to the artist, how did you do it, how do you get it out there, how do you sell it, how do I know how to find you,” Lavine says.
The proceeds from the sales of the paintings will be split between the artist and a fund to help restore the iconic Peggy’s Cove lighthouse.
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