Hello Artists

Hello Artists,

July 30, 2016 is quickly approaching and we are really looking forward to the 7th Art on the Boulevard & Home and Cottage Tour in beautiful downtown Erieau.

I am forwarding you some information regarding the July 30th Erieau Art on the Boulevard event. I am sure you are awaiting some specifics about set up times etc.

If you would like confirmation about your participation in this year’s event, please see the link under the artist tab of the website called Artist Line Up for 2016.

The event starts at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 4:00 p.m.

Set up time will begin at 7:00 a.m. This gives you a two hour timeframe to set up. Since the event ends at 4:00 p.m. , we ask that all artists be prepared to pack up their work at that time.

A reminder that there are no tables available. All artists must bring their own display equipment and we ask that all artists please bring their own chairs. Display tents are permitted as long as they are clean and professional looking. As well, nothing is to be attached to trees/branches/poles. Artists’ displays must be freestanding.

Please note, there is no electricity availability.

The event will run rain or shine. Parking for artists is directly across from your designated spaces on Ross Lane for your convenience. Washrooms will be available for artists and visitors at the Erieau Community Centre/Firehall, Erieau Yacht Club, and Anglican Church. As well, I have arranged for two portable washrooms to be delivered for use at the middle and west end of the Boulevard.

When you arrive in Erieau on Saturday morning, please visit the information table to check in. The information table will be located beside the Memorial Garden area which is located on the one end of the Boulevard across from OJ &Molly’s Restaurant. From here, we can direct you to your designated space and answer any questions you may have. In case of rain, the information table will be set up in the Erieau Firehall. Please check in at the Firehall if it is raining, and we will direct you to your designated space.

Other activities will also take place on July 30th in the village. A Home and Cottage Tour will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. where unique and interesting homes and cottages will be open for tours. Tickets are $20 each and will be sold on the day of the event at the information booth. Local musicians will perform along the Boulevard during the art event at the gazebo area across from the Erieau Firehall/Community Centre.

This year, we have continued with our expanded food and refreshment options. Water stations will be available for visitors and artists along the Boulevard. For those who would like a formal break with lunch, local restaurants Eau Buoy Galley Grille,The Brew Pub, OJ & Molly’s and the Sandbar will surely satisfy any taste preferences. Hot Diggity Dog is available at the beach. The local Neighbourhood Watch will serve coffee and muffins in the morning hours. The local Yacht Club and Anglican Church will serve various foods and refreshments throughout the day. Please see the website for further details regarding these organizations and what they have to offer. If you have preordered the boxed lunch option (with delivery) from the Anglican Church in the past, please note that they have discontinued this option of ordering and having delivery to your booth.

Artists: There are to be no raffles or food or refreshments sold at your display area.

For artists who are new to our event and for those who are returning, here is some information regarding your spaces and tents/canopies for the Art on the Boulevard as well as some specifics to help you with planning.

The spaces are all different sizes since it is outside along the Boulevard and there is that "nature" element. Essentially, I have assigned spaces to all of the artists all along the Boulevard in between trees. For those of you who are not familiar with the Boulevard, it is about 2 km in length and is tree lined providing lots of shade however there is an odd spot, where there is more sun. Your cars will be parked across from your space on the other side of the sidewalk along Ross Lane so having to carry your work a long ways is not an issue.

You should have plenty of room for a canopy or display tent, a couple tables and a display stand if you wish. The only request the committee has is that if you do set up a canopy that it be neat, tidy, have no rips or tears and be very professional looking. We do not want any "homemade" tents put together with tarps as we are trying to maintain a professional, classy look. Also- please set up your tent or tables at least 2 feet back from the sidewalk. This will ensure that people have the necessary space to walk along the sidewalk and not be blocked by visitors stopping at your booths. This year, we have a brand new paved boulevard which is 8 feet in width. This will help with pedestrian traffic flow and is a great addition for our event.

Please remember to register first at the information booth which will be set up at 7:00 a.m. on the Memorial Garden area across from Molly & OJ's Restaurant. At this time, we will see that you have arrived and inform you of your exact location. Then you can take your car to your spot and unload right where you spot is. Do NOT go directly to any spot and set up before checking in first.

If the event is held indoors due to inclement weather, then please visit the info booth at the Firehall which you will see on Rondeau Bay in the village.

We are not accepting any more artist registrations for the event as we have reached our maximum limit of 100 artists.

Advertising has been going extremely well. If you would like a copy of the brochure, you can visit Artspace, the Museum at the Chatham Cultural Centre, or the Purple Pansy in Chatham, Jimmy’s Barber Shop and Drycleaning Depot in Blenheim, Lasting Memories, and Little Change Room and Antiquated Joys in Blenheim, and Mocha Violet in Ridgetown. These are just a few of the places where you can get a copy. Please know that only 80 artist names have been added to the brochure as this is all that fits in order to have a brochure that is organized, easy to read and pleasing to the eye. Names were added on a first come, first serve basis.

Please remember that we are not renting tables so each artist must bring their own display equipment.

I hope this info helps you with your planning.

Please remember that entry into the event is based on a first come first serve basis. We accept 100 artists. Each artist must be authentic and create their art with their own hands. The Art on the Boulevard Committee reserves the right to jury the event and select/limit the artists from a particular medium into the show. Next year, the registration process will begin in February so check the website for the registration information and form. The due date for registering is May 31, 2017. This current year, we reached our maximum number in just over 2 months so register early to avoid disappointment. Any registrations received after May 31, 2017 must go before the committee and are subject to a substantial late fee.

On behalf of the Erieau Partnership Association and the Art on the Boulevard Planning Committee, I wish you a safe arrival to Erieau on July 30, 2016. The soothing summer breezes await you in Erieau. See you soon.

Mary Anne Patterson, Coordinator of Art on the Boulevard, Erieau, 2016