A creative connection to the Blues & Jazz Festival

When artist Christina Clare moved to Orangeville from Toronto, she was thrilled to discover the Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival. “I love music festivals, so I was delighted to find this world-class event right here in my new small town.” Attending the festival every year has become an anticipated tradition for Christina. “The Blues Cruise on Friday night is always a family-favourite,” she says. The event kicks off the festival in style, attracting residents and visitors who stroll along Broadway admiring vintage vehicles and listening to live music performed on street corners and restaurant patios. But her favourite event is the Blues and Bikes event on Sunday, when hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts proudly display their bikes along Broadway and Mill Street. “There’s just something about motorcycles and outdoor music!”

Of course, it’s the music that makes the festival. “I’ve seen so many amazing performers,” says Christina. "It is a unique opportunity to hear top-rated Canadian artists play alongside an incredible line-up of local bands." That special combination is exactly what the festival delivers every year.

Christina has extended her love for the festival to her artwork. She specializes in portraits and has featured many music icons and notable faces on her canvases. During past festivals, she has showcased her work as a vendor and has painted on-site in front of Dragonfly Arts on Broadway.

Over the years, Christina has also taken photos of many performers and in 2021, she used her artistic flare to incorporate these images into a collage. This large-scale piece was selected as part of the Town of Orangeville’s annual Call for Artists and is now installed at the Alder Recreation Centre’s walking track. The mural acts as a year-round reminder of the award-winning festival and the first-rate entertainment it brings to Orangeville. “My hope is that it helps the audience to reminisce about their favourite performances and to anticipate attending the festival every year.”

At this year’s festival, you’ll find Christina at her vendor booth selling her wearable art fashion and dancing along to the tunes. “I’m so excited that Blues & Jazz is back and I’m looking forward to being part this amazing community celebration again.”

Collage of musicians with bright accents

Blues & Jazz, mural by Christina Clare

Visit Christina's website to see more of her diverse collection of artwork.

The Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival is happening from June 3 to 5, 2022 on main stages in downtown Orangeville and at local venues throughout town. Visit the festival's website for full details.

0 Likes

A creative connection to the Blues & Jazz Festival

Comments

Login to Post a Comment