Circle of Art returns to Queens Circle a week late with 39 artists

The Friends of Crystal Beach never needed a rain date for the annual Circle of Art and Craft Show at Queens Circle, but for the first time in its 15-year history wildfire smoke forced them to reschedule.

Thirty-nine artists and artisans took part in the annual Crystal Beach festival last Saturday, originally scheduled for July 18, before poor air quality prompted several closures across Fort Erie.

Bernie Roberts, in her first year co-ordinating the event, asked the town about moving to July 25, then updated the group’s insurance and site services to match the new day.

“The Town of Fort Erie has been so gracious with us,” she said. “They want to see success in our communities.”

Nine artists joined the show for the first time this year. Roberts said all nine newcomers heard about the show by word of mouth, and that foot traffic was heaviest between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The festival featured live music and games, and visitors could buy work and vote for their favourite display. First-time vendor Jan Van Helfert won the public vote for his stained glass artwork.

“Some come out just because they want to show their artwork, and others come out because they hope to sell a few pieces,” she said. “I hope they did well.”

Roberts took over this year from founder Gail Martineau, who started the show with a small group of artists.

“She was short in stature, but she left big shoes to fill,” Roberts said. “I see this as the artists’ event, and I try to listen to their concerns and get their input.”

The show added artists every summer under Martineau. One year, so many registered that the road around the circle was closed and displays were set up on it. Roberts wants to hold the number near 40 so the show stays under the trees.

After the cancellation, both residents and artists emailed the Friends of Crystal Beach asking whether the show would go ahead.

“People look forward to it. People talk about it,” Roberts said.

Roberts said for future Circle of Art she will be sure to schedule a rain date.

Friends of Crystal Beach holds its Winter Art Fest on November 7 at the Leisureplex in Fort Erie.

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