Tuesday 28 October 2014

Going Whole Hog over our Car Rally

Well our first-ever ASK fundraiser is over and what a success it was! Almost a hundred people revved up their engines and followed the route through the beautiful fall-coloured hills and valleys that are King Township. They met a boxing champion, discovered a secret garden, dressed up as firemen, fed some horses, tasted home-grown honey, shook hands with Olympic heroes, drew pictures of fences, found a deadhouse, and generally had a wonderful time.
The comments reflected this. Organizers heard: "The best event I have ever attended!" "We may not have been the winning team but we sure had a winning day!" "Fantastic adventure!" "The final destination was a jaw-dropper!"
And indeed it was. The Bray Hill museum is an indescribable collection of cars and their accessories unlike any other. Guests were so mesmerized by the treasures that they hardly heard the bell calling them to line up for dinner. The meal  was a success too - succulent roast pig with sauces and salads,accompanied by local beer and followed by desserts from local bakeries.
The grand finale wass the awarding of prizes to our many winners. There were rally prizes for first place, second and third, for staying married throughout the event, being the first to arrive at the starting point,  following instructions to the letter. Even Mayor Steve Pellegrini won a prize - with his dad -  for the best dressed driver and navigator.
People went home satisfied that they had had a lovely fall drive, learned some new things about their community, enjoyed the company of friends, eaten well, and  had fun!

Wednesday 24 September 2014

Art By Car

Some people have asked us,  "Why has an arts group chosen a car rally as a fundraiser?" Here are some answers:

For starters, ask any car collector  if the sleek design or hood ornament or tail fins of his/her particular "baby" is not art sublime, and get the answer loud and clear!
All that aside,because many of us drive last year's model - a little rust on the door edges,  some mud stains on the floor mats, a few crumbs in the seat cracks - there is art all around King Township. And those who join us on the Adventure Car Rally, Sunday October 19, are going to see it!

I can't really give away the locations, or those who read this blog would have an advantage at winning the amazing prizes offered. But let me tell you that there are outdoor sculptures and installations, there are paintings hung inside special places, there are well-known artists living all over our countryside. The route will take participants to and through many of these one-of-a-kind creations.And the last stop, the car memorabilia museum, is an inspired, imaginative collection of treasures.

Besides that, a tour of King on a fall day will reveal the artistic talent of Mother Nature - rolling hills, lush meadows, kettle lakes, and the glorious colours of the changing leaves. This day will leave you convinced that you live in the most well-composed, harmonious place in the world. Be there.

Sue.


Wednesday 27 August 2014

Fall Out Of Your Routine

I have always thought of fall as a little bit sad: the days are cooler, the sun shines less, gardens begin to show signs of aging, and the routine of the work-school year begins again.
And yet, here at ASK things seem to be gearing up. Excitement is definitely in the air! Emails fly across the screen, ideas are shared, meetings are schedule at all hours.Here are just a few of the  plans brewing:

The annual Schomberg Village Street Gallery has a new look. First of all, although the word village has been removed from the name, (SSG is the new acronym), the village concept is more in the foreground. The main street has been closed to traffic for this one-day event, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 14,  allowing visitors to stroll along, mingle with the artists and other visitors and enjoy a meal or a coffee at one of the street-side cafes. Artists have been attracted to this new concept and over 40 have signed up ,including several new ones. This means a greater variety of talent for you to enjoy.

Another evening in our popular Travei Diary series is coming up on September 24. Guests will have the opportunity to trek up into the Himalayan mountains, enjoy breathtaking views, visit with the Gabbi  shepherds and their sheep, and hear words of wisdom from the Dalai Lama - all from the comfort of a chair at the King city library!

And, to save the very best for last - our first-ever fundraiser is an event not to be missed! ASK For A Ride is an adventure car rally like no other. Rev up your engine and enjoy a trip through King Township with new eyes as you search for clues and hidden treasures. Finish your day at a car memorabilia museum - open by invitation only! Then sit down to a feast - succling pig roasted before your eyes, fresh salads and local desserts, beer and wine, and PRIZES!

For any more information or to register, give Jane a call at 905-8939-9357  or - just click back to our ASK home page. See you soon!!
Sue

Sunday 17 August 2014

Orange cones and yellow sunsets

Access to the King Museum is somewhat hampered these days by large yellow diggers and rusty dump trucks doing sewer work along King Road. But you CAN get in -Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10-4 pm. Just pretend you are at a driver training course and wend your way around the orange cones into the parking lot. It is well worth a visit.

The current art show is a teaser for the upcoming Schomberg Street Gallery September 14. Each of several artists in the SSG has contributed a piece of work for this show. And, although the subjects are somewhat traditional, the renderings are astounding in their originality.

Take sunsets - a favourite among visual artists. Here you see: the bold colours of a city sunset with the CN Tower standing tall in the middle, the soft hues over a Scottish moor with a stark rock formation in the foreground, peaceful sunsets over calm water - Lake Huron, and a coastal rendition with a greenish sky,

There are several paintings with a natural theme, another favourite of artist in King who live in the country and appreciate its attributes: bright fuscia bleeding hearts, pond lilies surrounding a single pink bud, an iconic King field full of tall grasses, a prairie field with finely detailed birch trees, a sheep so soft you want to pat him, a dog waiting outside for its owner to step through the door and take him for a walk. Two artists use gold in their work - a butterfly painted on gold leaf and a winning King horse in a golden hue. Well there is one other dog, a poodle, who is on a trip out of the country, and into the city to buy Pucci and Wroolf Lauren.

There are only two portraits in the show. They are presented side by side, uniquely different and yet very much alike - with their captivating eyes, their seductively-long hair, and their provocative mouths, speaking to the observer and saying...what?

There are two artists who work in wood, and one potter, showing bowls and a zipper. Yes a zipper - and it is partly unzipped. But no touching! There is an abstract called "Synchronicity" which calls out for individual interpretation. And one of my favourites - "Contentment"  - a wedge of cheese, a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine. Time to go home and open the pinot grigio.

Sue




Friday 1 August 2014

ASK Festival King is a wrap for 2014

Oh but we are not taking a vacation! Not at all.... our ASK staff are working just as hard as ever to prepare more fun-filled activites for you and your family to enjoy the arts in King Township.
Let me give you a sneak preview of some of the things we are planning for the fall:

 First of all, another in our crowd-pleasing Trave Diary Series - on August 20th at 7 pm. This one is a repeat of a very successful presentation - travelling around Europe in a camper-van - husband and wife still married after 5 months and 30 countries! Another bit of excitement at this show is that the actual camper van is a guest for the eveninng - sitting in the parking lot and waiting for your inspection.

September 14tth brings back the always-popular Schomberg Street Gallery, with a new twist this year - a one-day show with the main street closed to cars! Attendees at the gallery will get to amble along Main Street, stopping at booths and tents, talking to the artists, doing a little shopping, and maybe visiting a restaurant to enjoy a glass of wine or a meal.

As for October - well that is usually the time that ASK takes a break to slow down and re-group. But not this year - Instead we are "gearing up" for an adventure car rally like no other! ASK For a Ride - Sunday October 19th. Mark your calendar and get your car tuned up for an afternoon of excitement, challenges, and surprises!

Wait for my next blog to find out more details.
Sue

Tuesday 15 July 2014

ASK Festival King in Full Swing!

This is the 9th year for our ASK summer festival - and we have made a few changes: First of all, in order to save on postage, we distributed our brochure inside the June issue of King MOSAiC. So far so good!
Second, we have condensed the Festival into 2 weeks - with a different event, workshop, or activity each day. This makes it easier for participants to plan around vacatiions, and for the hard-working volunteers at ASK to keep track of everything. Also good!
Third, we have tried to expand our horizons and focus on a variety of arts as well as heritage and nature. So if you don't paint, you can make jewellery, write a travel journal, or go on a hike. You can tour a sculpture garden,  weave a basket, or listen to stories from space. You can change up your summer with new creative activities.
Hope to see you in the next two weeks. Very good!
Sue