John Griffin 

The Tour des Arts line-up has been confirmed, with 32 artists in every known medium throwing open their studio doors between July 15 and 23. See them work; buy the creative fruits of their labour, and support this diverse and dynamic community. 

Painter Alan MacIntyre first showed his work in 2019, took the plague year break in 2020,
and is back this year. “Tour des Art is a great way for a whole bunch of people to see and react to what I make,” he says. “The Tour is a big commitment and a lot of work to get ready for.” 

“It’s fun to make a few sales and get some work out in the world. The hardest part for me is being confined to my studio for the entire day.” 

Jeweler Savanah Jones is in her second year as the youngest member on the Tour. As befits her age and savvy, she has a large profile on social media and the internet but likes the Tour for the exposure. 

“I specialize in repurposing family heirlooms into custom pieces like engagement rings and specialty items,” says Savanah. She will be working this year while pregnant with her first child, expected in August. Her studio is next door to her West Bolton home, and she looks forward to working in a separate space while being close to her newborn. 

The Knowlton Film Festival returns from the COVID wilderness with expanded dates, line-up and assorted activities orbiting around Theatre Lac Brome, August 18 to 26. 

The incoming festival director is Julie Bradet; there is a new short film competition, with serious prizes and actor Pascale Bussières presiding over final decisions. There will be a closing night screening of the David Bowie doc Moonage Daydream, with a party and live music at the West Bolton roadhouse, The Thirsty Boot. Ageless Quebec rocker Michel Pagliaro is set for Labour Day weekend at the Boot. 

Here’s a blast from the past. Festival programmers have unearthed a copy of the 1969 feel-good family adventure story My Side of the Mountain. The story of a boy living with his animal friends in the wilderness was shot around Glen Mountain and the surrounding area. There was great excitement at the time, and the screening now is bound to evoke memories. 

Film festival co-founder and pianist Nicolas Pynes has a new project of his own for this year’s event. Though some distance away, with details to be ironed out, he is devoting one evening to accompanying an old silent film with new music.