THE ART SIDE OF KAWARTHA SETTLERS’ VILLAGE …25th Anniversary … The Scoop!

Ontario Visited has had the wonderful experience of visiting Kawartha Settlers’ Village in beautiful Bobcaygeon, Ontario on several occasions. Today we take you on a journey “back in time” to “bring you to the future” … You can see below, one of my favourite photographs the Festival Nomad took at the Village during one of our visits. This photo perhaps has helped lead to one of my favourite quotes I created … As I like to say … “Reflections of the Past” … “Hope for our future!”

Ontario Heritage Visited ~ Ontario Festivals Visited
"Reflections of the Past ... Hope for our Future"
by Judi "Scoop" McWilliams

Bobcaygeon – Kawartha Settlers’ Village may never have been established without the help of a local artist group, the Bobcaygeon Village Workshop Group.  In 1989, the Group operated out of the Henderson House, which was a venue for artists, sculptures, potters, and other crafts people who met and shared ideas, taught lessons, and promoted their work to the public.  Unfortunately, the group operated in a climate of uncertainty as the Bobcaygeon Village Council (who had been gifted the property on condition that the land would be turned into a park) had granted the group use of the facilities only. With pressure from neighbours who wanted to see the land turned into a greenspace, the Bobcaygeon Council began preparation for the demolition of the Henderson House.

Ontario Festivals Visited
"Henderson House"

We welcome you to check out “THE INSIDE SCOOP”, KAWARTHA SETTLERS’ VILLAGE ~ CELEBRATING LANDMARK YEAR ~ 25th article (http://judisinsidescoop.blogspot.ca/2015/06/kawartha-settlers-village-celebrating.html), where you can find many interesting facts and fun information. You will learn that it was the art groups who joined forces with a number of volunteers who wanted to establish a museum within Bobcaygeon. The newly formed group, calling themselves the Kawartha Region Arts and Heritage Council (KRAHC), made a presentation to Bobcaygeon Council requesting the long term lease of the Murphy farm property. Bert Sevink, the leader of the Arts Group, was the spokesperson. Sevink impressed Council with KRAHC’s plan to restore the barn on the property and to move the Henderson House from Front Street to the property. The resolution to approve the lease of the property for use as a cultural and heritage centre passed.

In October 1991, the Henderson House became the first building to be moved to the property and it is the only building to have been moved to the Village in one piece.  In the Village’s early days, the Bobcaygeon Village Workshop Group, who had renamed themselves the Kawartha Settlers’ Village Artists, were one of the few sources of income; fundraising through raffles, auctions, and special events. 

Aerial Photograph
Kawartha Settlers' Village
Bobcaygeon 

In 2005, the group started the Bobcaygeon. The 2015 date is July 4^th (10am-4pm) and July 5^th (10am-3pm).  In honour of Kawartha Settlers’ Village’s 25th anniversary and because of the impact the Village Artist’s had with the creation of K.S.V., the 2015 Showcase Artist is Wayne F. Moore.  Mr. Moore, who has been a member with the Settlers’ Village Artist for over 20 years, started in the litho/printing trade, press room, camera, film assembly for packaging, books, advertising etc. He retired at the age of 52 as a commercial artist in signage and billboards.  Mr. Moore is a self-taught artist whose work can be seen in many private collections. 

The Art Festival and Show, which features over 20 other artists, is unique as the artwork is displayed and for sale against a back drop of artifacts and heritage buildings. Mediums include: painting, pottery, wood turning, glass work, and more. Other highlights of the event are live entertainment and children’s art activities. We encourage you to “journey back in time”, to experience their Special Art Show and Sale … and Kawartha Settlers’ Village.

Ontario Festivals Visited ~ Tour
Kawartha Settlers' Village

You can visit Kawartha Settlers’ Village website at (http://settlersvillage.org/) to catch all the up-to-date details and many more events, activities, programs and happenings throughout the year. Enjoy!