Sunny skies and talented artists draw residents to Banfield Art Crawl

The Banfield neighbourhood was buzzing with activity under sunny skies on Saturday as art enthusiasts used maps to navigate the streets to visit more than 40 artists that showcased their work in the 3rd Banfield Art Crawl. This one-day event accentuates the reason why Paris is so well known as a culturally diverse and artistically rich community. Pictured purchasing a painted box from artist Jennifer Adams is Maeve Van Wylie and her family - Grace Van Wylie, Marcia Van Wylie and Derek Wylie. Jennifer specializes in paintings, painted boxes, paddles and mirrors.

By Rubyyy Jones

Cultural Correspondent 

The Banfield Art Crawl boogied into its third year with the same charm, excellence and expertise as previous years but on a grander scale with more than fifty artists participating. The weather was idyllic on Saturday, May 10th as art enthusiasts walked the streets to find amazing artistic displays showcasing local talent in a wide variety of mediums - pottery, paintings, photography, rug hooking, fashion pieces, printmaking, mixed media and more.Expanding on to seven streets this year - all still strolling distance from Banfield Street - and with a dynamic diversification of artistes and mediums, it was so exciting to see the return of some fundamental Paris artists and the introduction of new ones to the crawl, and the community. Tony Churchill, a Paris painter and printmaker, participating in the Banfield Art Crawl for the first time, said he was so pleased to be part of the Crawl this year. “The hard work of the organizers was greatly appreciated. It was a chance to meet other local artists, and I enjoyed talking art with many community members who came out. The beautiful weather was an added bonus!”Paris powerhouse, Pam Johnson, who was showcasing garments, textile printing, and ceramics said this year’s Banfield Art Crawl was magical, even more magical because the community of artists is growing and the people who appreciate and support art is also growing. “Events like these are an essential part of community building and supports our local arts scene,” said Johnson. “Thanks to everyone who shared their exceptional talents and the community of folks who celebrate and enjoy those talents!”Karen Wettlaufer is a Paris metalsmith who specializes in delicate silver and gold jewelry, stamped and inspired by nature. This was the third year she participated in the crawl although she’s been a part of the Paris art community for decades. “What a glorious day for the 3rd annual BAC! We very much appreciate all the folks from near and far who strolled through the neighborhood,” said Wettlaufer. “Creative pursuits can often be solitary in their process. The Banfield Art Crawl provides a space to share and discuss that process and connect with everyone. As creatives we are so grateful for that exchange and look forward to it every year.”If you want to learn more about this event and its artists, follow the Banfield Art Crawl on Facebook and Instagram. You do not want to miss this marvelous May event – and the chance to meet artisans – next year!  

Left to right, Jennifer Budd, fibre art, Karen Wettlaufer, metal jewelry, Pam Wakins, fibre art and Kristine MacGregor print making and painting. 

Left to right, Jenn Foley, soap, pottery and ceramic jewelry, Ursula O’Brien, pottery, Liz Beauregard, pottery, and Sue Waldorf, pottery. 

Thirteen-year-old Clara Bartscher had her water colour cards for sale during the Banfield Art Crawl.

Lenny Jones holds a Tree of Life painting in front of her home Tree of Life Studio. Lenny’s painting themes this year included rooms, row houses and trees of life, all created from homemade or compose paper. 

Left to right, Cathy Hall, specializing in pottery, Heather Licskai, pottery, Mallory Gresch, pottery/ceramics and Diana Licskai, acrylic on canvas. 

Susan Cunningham, a silk painter, in front of her stunning radiant and painted silk creations.