Thank you to these sponsors for helping us to document and share the history of the Sioux Narrows Arts Festival. 
District 26, Kenora,
​Retired Teachers of Ontario
Township of Sioux Narrows - Nestor Falls 
WHERE IS YOUR WHIMSEY?
 
Thank you BROCK AND KAREN BLOSSER for being the longest contributing artists at the Sioux Narrows Arts Festival.

SHARE A PHOTO OF WHERE YOU KEEP YOUR WHIMSEY 

​For over 40 years we have known these happy, cute and whimsical faces carved from fallen trees as Whimseys, art that is said to bring good luck to your home.  But do you know the story of how Brock and Karen learned  how to carve "Wurtzel Koerpfer" (rootheads) or "Berggeister" (mountain spirits) that have been carved for hundreds of years in Tyrol, a mountain province situated in the Swiss-Austrian-Italian Alps?  We look forward to sharing their story at the 60th Anniversary of the Sioux Narrows Arts Festival. ​

    ​​Send us your thoughts and memories of the Sioux Narrows Arts Festival 

    This survey will collect memories of the art, people, events and accomplishments of the Sioux Narrows Arts Council and its annual Arts Festival since its inception. Our goal is to document the personalities, local flavour, festival energy, arts culture and historical accounts of the Sioux Narrows Arts Festival through everyone's favourite recollections.

    Whether you are Sioux Narrows born 'n bred, a summer resident, an artist, visitor or tourist from far or near, recount the moments and images that come to mind. Your personal connections, anecdotes, art purchases and long weekend escapades have the potential to illuminate the historical, social, educational and economic significance of the Arts Festival to the arts community in Northwestern Ontario and to our township's quality of life. 
    There is no limit to the content or number of entries. Submissions will be culminated for the celebration this summer. 
    You are welcome to include photographs or documents to add to your story.  
    Max file size: 20MB
    Thank you for contributing to Our Story. This submission along with your name will be included in the 60th Anniversary Archives.  
                  Sioux Narrows Arts Festival 30 Years Ago
 Sioux Narrows Satellite News 1967
Everyone is encouraged to share memories, historical information and photos from their involvement at previous arts festivals.

Sioux Narrows Arts Festival History

The Sioux Narrows Arts Festival has been celebrated as an annual event on the August long weekend for 60 years. In the early years, the festival had 15 to20 local artists and was held in the Sioux Narrows Community Hall. There were poetry readings, visual and performing arts and displays of various art forms. The festival grew and shifted to Father Moss School gymnasium. In 1984 it was relocated to the curling rink to accommodate up to fifty artists.
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Sioux Narrows Arts Council Archives
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"Three couples, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Johnston of Winnipeg, Manitoba,  Dr. and Mrs. John Perl of Chicago, Illinois and Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Lohr of Muscatine, Iowa initiated the first Sioux Narrows Arts Festival in 1961. These men and women were summer residents who volunteered their time and money." (page 53)

"The original purpose of the Festival was to exhibit art, in all forms, created by residents of the Lake of the Woods district. "Art for the fun of it" has been the Festival motto. Perhaps this motto was more true in the earlier years when amateurs and children played a bigger part. In recent years, more professionals exhibit and sell at the Festival. The Committee always welcomes children and amateurs who will still show their work "for the fun of it"." (Page 54)

written by Dick Rossen and Eva Dion, 1985
Beyond the Bridge, Sioux Narrows Historical Society, Harris Printing Ltd,, Winnipeg,  Second Printing 2009
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​THANK YOU TO OUR GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS
Kenora Lake of the Woods Community Foundation
Northwoods Realty Ltd.
​FOR MAKING OUR 60TH ANNIVERSARY VIDEO AND MEDIA PRESENTATIONS A REALITY.

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The Sioux Narrows Arts Council, by volunteer co-operative  effort, commits to supporting and promoting area art and artists via an arts festival and art education within our community.