“Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher.”- Walt Whitman
As our society increasingly aligns itself to the mindset conveyed by these words, we see a need to find diverse ways to connect with this Nature from whom we have strayed. At Public Dreams, our belief in the inherent connective qualities of art and creativity led us to co-create a new celebration with Metro Vancouver entitled “ A Midsummer Fete”
Bringing together artisans, gardeners, beekeepers, and all manner of ecologists and creative types, A Midsummer Fete takes place each June at Colony Farm Regional Park. This hidden gem in Metro Vancouver’ park system had its start as a working farm supplying produce to Riverview Hospital throughout the latter half of the twentieth century. The spirit of fecundity lives on in the acres of community garden plots now present in the park, rich with river delta soil. Artist Marina Szijarto, after a lengthy consultation process with the gardeners of Colony Farm, mined her own English heritage to create the framework of the event. A traditional village fete included an array of amusements, based on whatever the villagers had on offer. As a result, this festival has all the charm and comfort of a patchwork quilt; a wide variety of folk coming together in a beautiful whole that is more than the sum of its parts.
At A Midsummer Fete one can write intimate notes to the bees and hear stories of faraway lands under a sprawling willow tree. Perhaps after weaving a hat out of blackberry branches, enjoy fresh apricot scones and tea in the tea tent, presided over by the intoxicating Isolde N Barron and her dapper crew of gentlemen tea-waiters. As the afternoon wanes, let the lilting strains of a harp follow you as you wander through the cut-grass labyrinth, or among the plots of foxgloves, raspberries, and a multitude of other flora in the community gardens. With this serene and sensual event, our mission is to foster a love of nature not based on “shoulds” and “oughts” but on the joyful experience off all her delights. Come one, come all!
For information about this year’s event, please visit: Midsummer Fete 2012.
Photo Gallery
Love that video. I’m so used to seeing Public Dreams magic at night, seeing it in the daytime makes a whole different experience. Crossing my fingers for good weather!
THANK YOU to everyone at Public Dreams or putting together such an amazing event! What a magical day we had. Looking forward to next year!
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button!
Tanie, it’s at the top right of every page or you can click here. Thanks!