Turntable Park gets artistic summer facelift

Live shows, workshops, and art exhibits to vibe up the village

Visitors to Wakefield often ask about the railway turntable in the park area along the multiuse path between Wakefield General Store and the End of the Line Boutique, wondering if a train ever ran through the village. This summer, Turntable Park will come back to life with a vibrant hub of creativity as the renowned 100 Mile Arts Network unveils its one-of-a-kind Art in the Park project.

Throughout July and August, on Saturday afternoons, rain or shine, the park will fill with free performances and workshops featuring musicians and artists from across the Hills. Locals and tourists can view and purchase art, sit in on a workshop, enjoy musical performances, and visit the artists at their ‘on the go’ studios.

On Saturday, July 13, brings the first workshop with Linda Vanderlee. She’s calling it Humble Ukulele 101, where she will teach the basics of the instrument. On July 20, Janet LeRoy will welcome participants into the creative process of storytelling. The park will get an acoustic vibe on July 27 with a solo performance by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Brian Gunther.

On Saturday, Aug. 10, marvel at Imagination Unbound: The Magic of Digital Art with Mitch Gagnon, a multi-disciplinary artist based in the Pontiac region. Gagnon’s digital illustrations marry traditional methods with the limitless possibilities of the digital realm to bring stories to life. A week later, on Aug 17, it’s Be in the Band! You’ll smile and admire the talented performances by 11 to 17-year-olds from the community under the guidance of Greg Paul Stone and Brian Sanderson.

A chance to release your inner singer on Saturday, Aug 24, at the Circle Sing with Chris MacLean. Singers of all ages and abilities are invited to explore the potential of their voices as an instrument, creating improvised songs with interlocking parts. MacLean will improvise the vocal parts and teach them to her sonic pupils. No experience is necessary.

On the final Saturday, August 3, a workshop and a musical performance will be held. First, Smushed Paper Puppet Making with Linda Vanderlee will be held from 12:15 to 2:00 p.m. Then, straight after, savour songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kate Weekes, whose banjo and guitar-driven contemporary original folk songs range in influence from traditional jazz to old-time Appalachian.