Edmonton Festivals: A local perspective

I've been to some amazing events already this summer in Edmonton. A few weekends ago I was able to check out The Art Walk event on Whyte Avenue. The Art Walk, which happened from July 15-17 this year, is an opportunity for local artists to set up a mini studio/gallery out on the sidewalk amidst hundreds of fellow artists. There was a broad range of art to view and a sliding scale of talent from mediocre to life altering. Two of my new local favourites were there this year including Giselle Denis and Maria Pace-Wynters. Giselle Denis, who I've linked on my blog, is a refreshing young artist whose colourful images inspire feeling of whimsy and excitement, at least in my opinion. Maria Pace-Wynters' work is duelly colourful as she depicts charming clowns, children and other playful subjects against intricate, textured backdrops.

Additionally, I paid two visits to Heritage Days and was pleasantly surprised by the magnitude of Edmonton's ethnic diversity. It was visceral this past weekend that Edmonton is truly an international hub and one that works well at celebrating culture. Although I shamelessly started at the Dutch pavilion in lieu of my own heritage, I was easily lured away by the many tantalizing aromas that were wafting around Hawerlak Park. I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the Pakoras and the Chot-Poti at the Bangladesh booth and the Sukumawiki and Chapati at the Kenyan pavilion. What really shocked me though were the amount of chile-covered mangos-on-a-stick that were being consumed! I was so enticed by the walking advertisements that I decided to go to the Guatemala booth and get one myself. The fifty-man line, however, made me spend my food tickets on Danish Vinarterta instead. The music and apparel was great too, especially the garb found at the India tent by the lovely ladies who sell the Saraswati line. I can't wait to see what the infamous Fringe will have to offer us in a couple of weeks.