One of the best things about living in the New Seaton neighbourhood is that you have access to the many amazing local events throughout the year in Pickering in the surrounding area. Take a short drive south from the New Seaton Presentation Centre this weekend to enjoy some great family friendly entertainment.
Pickering City Centre (1, The Esplanade, Pickering) will come alive this Saturday, May 26th from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm with Artfest on the Esplanade. This free event brings music, dance, crafts and singing along with children’s art areas and artist demonstrations to the heart of downtown Pickering.
Artfest will include works from over 90 Ontario artists who will be on hand to show and sell a variety of original art which will include paintings, photography, pottery, wood carvings, jewellery, home decor and more.
The theme of this year’s Artfest is “A Lishman Celebration” and will feature art, film and sculptures of the late Bill Lishman.
Lishman grew up on a farm in Pickering, and later became known for both his art and his pioneering work in naturalism and ultra-light aviation.
In 1993, Lishman made a documentary for PBS where he followed a flock of Canada Geese in his ultra-light aircraft as they flew south from Canada to Virginia.
The documentary was a big hit, and Lishman eventually sold the rights to his story to Sony Picture and Columbia Pictures. That’s how Lishmnan’s story became the basis for the 1996 family comedy-drama “Fly Away Home.”
Over the years he created many public works of art including an full scale replica of Stonehnege named “Autohenge” using crushed cars for the 1986 Vancouver World’s Fair.
You can see featured work of Lishman’s and enjoy all the additional festivities at Artfest this weekend.
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