The Buckhorn Wildlife Art Festival

You don't have to be large and urbane to put on a world-class art show. The village of Buckhorn in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes region of Ontario is ample testimony to that.

The professional artists who exhibit at Buckhorn come "from all over" Japan, New Zealand, Kenya, The United States and virtually every province of Canada have been represented.

Visitors, who numbered roughly 35,000 in the 3 days of the 2002 festival, also come from far and wide. We've had them from Germany, Switzerland, England and Japan, you name
it and we've had them here, but the majority are from North America. We also have a lot of local people.

Almost every type of art is on display at Buckhorn, water colours, oils, acrylics, lithographs, silk printing and sculptures in clay, stone and wood. The Buckhorn Festival
is more than just a gallery and sale. Every artist is available throughout the show to chat with visitors and talk about their art. Many also give demonstrations and workshops.

There is something for younger family members too. Kid's activities vary from year to year and have included a petting zoo and a perennial favourite, the bird feeder and bird house workshop. Other special attractions have been displays by the Canadian Canoe Museum, Friends of the Osprey
and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

There are also lots of craft events going on the Buckhorn area all year round like the Spring Craft Show, Harvest Craft Show and in November just in time for Christmas is a wonderful annual event called In the 'Nick' of Time Christmas Marketplace.

The Spring Craft Show is held annually on Victoria Day weekend.
Among the many crafts on display will be Jewellery, Designer Clothing for both adults and children, Wooden Toys, Porcelain Dolls, many varieties of Woodcrafts including Furniture, Ceramics, Weaving, Stuffed Animals and Dolls, Stained Glass, Pottery, and much more.

The Harvest Craft Show is held annually on Thanksgiving weekend.
As well as the many Christmas items there will be Jewellery, Designer Clothing for both adults and children, Wooden Toys, Porcelain Dolls, many varieties of Woodcrafts including Furniture, Ceramics, Weaving, Stuffed Animals and Dolls, Stained Glass, Pottery.

Here are some local art galleries to visit while in the Buckhorn area.

• Bayside Boutique and Art Gallery
• Gallery on the Lake
• Whetung Ojibwa Centre