One of Moose Mountain Provincial Park’s most unique and beloved attractions has returned as the Artist’s Colony opens for the 2021 tourist season.
The colony describes itself as “an inspiring and peaceful setting for creating, displaying and selling original works of art.” The colony itself is a small group of stone cabins located on the shores of Kenosee Lake, near the chalet and visitor’s centre in the park. Artists from around the world come to the colony to work on their art in the park’s beautiful setting.
The colony, which is typically open from May to September each year, did not open last summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Improved circumstances this year have allowed the artists to return to their cabins and for visitors to return.
“It's fantastic to be back because a lot of artists work in solitude most of the time … it's the interaction with the public that that we kind of missed, because … you meet people from all over the world here,” said Wawota-based bronze sculptor Ken Frederickson.
Frederickson is one of two permanent artists in residence along with painter Margaret Delaney. A third cabin houses a visiting artist that rotates on a weekly basis.
Frederickson has been coming to the Artist’s Colony cabins for five years. He believes the colony is a huge asset to the park.
“It’s nice because it gives people in the park something to do that don't necessarily golf or boat … it's an added attraction for the park,” Frederickson said. “It's really becoming known as the park of Saskatchewan where the arts are and that's been fantastic.”
Margaret Delaney has been an artist in residence at the cabins for over 10 years. She has returned to her work as a painter after contracting COVID-19 herself earlier this year.
“It feels absolutely wonderful (to be back), Delaney said. “I personally had COVID and … just let me say it motivates me to be better. And it energizes me to meet with people again. And yeah, to see and say, oh, we're so happy you're open again. And this is the most wonderful place for an artist to be. You couldn't find a better place.”
Visitors are now allowed to visit the Artist’s Colony cabins while following current provincial COVID-19 safety orders, including physical distancing and wearing masks inside cabins.
The Artist’s Colony at Moose Mountain Provincial Park is open from Victoria Day until Labour Day. Artists can usually be found working most weekends, but schedules vary by artist.
