I had several magical encounters with art and artists while in Belleville, Ontario and I’m grateful, especially, for meeting artists Peter Paylor and Lisa Morris. Totally immersed in their artistic community, both are creating wonderful ‘happenings’ at The Core Arts and Culture Centre and beyond.  Their enthusiasm is contagious and it is evident that the arts are alive and well in Quinte!

The Core Arts and Culture Centre

I met Peter Paylor and Lisa Morris, along with Kathy Jo Paylor manning tables at the Belleville Market down on Front Street. At the time, Lisa was displaying her art jewelry, reclaiming materials, and Peter was selling hand carved sumac walking and talking sticks.

Photo Credit: Lisa Morris and Peter Paylor Belleville Market

Photo Credit: Lisa Morris and Peter Paylor Belleville Market

The market, in itself, was a magical place because of all of the fresh produce, the homemade soaps…the local honey products and much more.  But for me, a real gift was meeting up with artists and seeing the sorts of projects and initiatives that they were working hard to build in the Bay of Quinte region.  The meeting also made me aware of an art opening one evening at the John M. Parrott Art Gallery.

As well as exhibiting Stitch Happens, by the Kingston Fiber Artists, there was a collection of local art based on local photographers’ works titled Bay of Quinte Interpreted 2.  19 local artists interpreted 12 winning photographs from the Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan Photo Contest with a Twist 2.  Please follow this link to see a collection of these interpretations.

Before leaving Belleville, I made certain that I said my good-byes at the market and purchased a piece by Peter titled Under Sail and several pieces of jewelry for my girls from Lisa.  Thanks to the two of you for being so welcoming and passing on so much information!