Calling young artists and musicians – Art in the Barn looking for submissions for second annual event

Young artists in Huron and Perth counties will once again have a chance to showcase their artwork in Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma’s barn.

The Art in the Barn Huron Perth Youth Art Show will return on June 5 and 6. The event will feature a coffee house showcase in the barn from 7 to 10 p.m. on June 5 and the art show and live and silent auction on June 6 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Art in the Barn, a collaborative effort by the City of Stratford and Kind-HeARTed Studio, is currently collecting submissions from artists and musicians between six to 24-years-old and living in either Huron or Perth County. Visual artists can send up to three photos of their drawings, fashion designs, paintings, sculptures and/or jewellery and musicians can send up to three music videos of their performances.

“There's no platform for younger kids to showcase their work,” Vanessa De Groot, art instructor and psychotherapist for Kind-HeARTed Studio. “Stratford is such a creative and vibrant town and we wanted to provide a platform for young artists to share their creativity with the community while fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment. By inviting students to submit their artwork and showcasing their talents in a public exhibition, we hope to inspire and support the next generation of artists in our city.”

The art show will also feature food trucks, face painting and live and silent auctions featuring the artwork. The live auction will be run by auctioneer extraordinaire Dave Jacob of Jacob Auction. DeGroot encourages Huron and Perth residents to see young artistic talent at Art in the Barn.

“It’s a great way to support local kids and their creativity. It helps build their confidence, brings the community together, and it’s honestly a fun and inspiring experience to see the world through their artwork,” she said. “And they might leave with a new piece of art.”

Submissions can be emailed to artinthebarn.hp@gmail.com by the April 20 deadline and must include the name, age and address of the person entering the showcase.