The County has been selected as one of 19 Ontario Culture Days festival hubs across the province. It features a lineup of free events curated by County Arts.

The OCD theme is “Living Creatively,” and offers participants hands-on and experience in arts and culture — from behind the scenes.

“We’ve curated a lineup that spans every artistic genre and speaks to a wide range of interests, and the best part is that all activities are free to the public,” said County Arts Director Janna Smith, noting the year also marks County Arts’ 40th anniversary.

“We’re excited to participate in Ontario Culture Days to spotlight some of the arts and culture activities that make our community so unique.” 

Culture Days in the County opens with a landmark: the PEC Studio Tour,  which takes place the weekend of September 18 -20. Established in 1994, the free, self-guided tour features 58 artists at 39 studios. Visitors have a chance to meet the artists where their work is created. The Tour is showcased in a four-page insert in this week’s paper.

County Arts Lab features a workshop on cyanotype, a historic photographic process that uses sunlight to create blueprints. Another invites participants to explore movement inspired by Lake Ontario.

The Wellington Heritage Museum presents an exhibition of 200 years of liquor production — and consumption — while Macaulay House will show work by Ethan Weitendorf. The Oeno Gallery Sculpture Garden will offer guided tours.

The County Adaptation Film Festival  (CAFF) returns to The Regent Theatre the weekend of September  25-27, and offers a number of unticketed community events.

On Oct. 2, the Prince Edward County Chamber Music Festival presents composer-in-residence Carmen Braden at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Picton.

The County combines studios, galleries, museums, performance spaces, and creative workshops set among beautiful villages, beaches, and towns.

“Ensuring the arts are accessible to everyone is core to our mission, and Ontario Culture Days offers an ideal platform to explore the creative life here,” Ms. Smith said.