MOOSE JAW - On July 1, Crescent Park became an extension of the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery (MJMAG) as artists from around the province assembled in support of the museum’s largest annual fundraiser and in a nod to Saskatchewan’s artists who brightened the park with inspiring samples of their work.
ParkArt was held in its traditional venue and saw 76 official vendors in attendance — plus a few last-minute bookings that brought this number closer to 80.
This tally, according to Jennifer McRorie, director and curator of the MJMAG, contrasts with the 55 registered vendors in 2023 and marks a return to pre-pandemic levels that averaged 80 yearly vendors.
McRorie said she’s happy with this year’s event and was optimistic about the level of participation.
“Pre-pandemic, our (visitor) numbers were about 4,500 people,” she explained. “I’m hoping that we see numbers back up to that… last year we were about 3,800, and it seems busier this year.”
Although its still too early to accurately estimate this year’s attendance, McRorie said her best guess is something north of 4,000 guests.
Violet Tang is the museum’s new operations manager, and her role began as ParkArt entered its final stages of planning.
“It’s my first ParkArt, so I don’t have previous years to compare, but the dynamism and the energy that people bring into the park… was very impressive,” she said.
ParkArt has been a tradition for over 40 years and is the MJMAG’s largest and longest-running annual fundraiser. The event is described as one of Saskatchewan’s finest arts and crafts markets and features a selection of high-quality, handmade works by local artists and artisans.
One of those artists is Rachelle Brockman, a Grasswood-based artist who attended her first ParkArt event this year. Her works are based on a poem her daughter wrote, “Ultimate Power,” which explores the connection between man’s power and the natural world.
“It’s a play on nature,” she explained as she described her acrylic on wood paintings. “Particularly, Aspen trees versus man’s power through the powerline and power poles.”
Brockman’s first ParkArt experience left a “fantastic impression.” “The organizers have been incredibly helpful, professional, and welcoming – (as well as) the people here in Moose Jaw,” she said.
Terri Ekvall is an artisan who owns Regina-based Terri Ekvall Ceramics. Ekvall has been attending Moose Jaw’s ParkArt event for the past 15 years.
The event has “lots of good vibes with people dressed up for Canada Day – I love that,” she said. “It’s just a nice atmosphere.”
Ekvall said her favourite aspect of ParkArt is the opportunity to meet people.
“For me, it’s an opportunity to talk to people. I really like finding out what they like and what they like about my work (in particular),” she explained.
“People like to buy (artistic) works (when)… they feel a connection with the artists usually,” she said, noting that ParkArt helps provide that otherwise difficult to attain opportunity.
Ekvall’s sentiments were reflected by Tang who said ParkArt was a great way to celebrate Canada Day.
“It’s a great way to celebrate… (by) bringing together people from the community… to celebrate the arts and crafts of this province,” Tang said.
Proceeds from ParkArt support the MJMAG’s ongoing operations and the museum hopes to raise around $30,000 each year.
“It benefits us, but we also think it’s a great way… for the community to celebrate the arts in Moose Jaw,” McRorie added.
For more information about the MJMAG and its upcoming exhibitions, visit MJMAG.ca or stop by 461 Langdon Crescent during regular business hours.
