Summer Moon Festival kicks off this week

The annual Summer Moon Festival begins tomorrow as visitors are invited to attend the Loft Workshop Series, which will showcase how art and content are being created in multiple forms.

On June 23, participants can view Stories Steeped in Stone and Theatre In Motion at the Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site, presenting performances by Tracie Louttit, Theresa Binda and Kristin DeAmorim.

On June 24, residents can visit the Art X Revive Exhibition at Rolling Pictures, showcasing the exhibition prepared by Andrea Pinheiro, Annie King and Desiree Watson. 

On June 25, the festival will mark its first Indigenous Open Air Market and an evening concert outside the Mill Market.

For more information, read the news release below:

The time has come; Summer Moon Festival begins on June 21, sponsored by YNCU and supported by the Ontario Arts Council. Join the community at this annual festival where the Indigenous Friendship Centre, the Downtown Association and the City of Sault Ste. Marie have worked together to create and develop accessible, sustainable, multi-disciplinary public art, culture, and heritage programming that supports tourism, economic diversity and arts sector development within the region. 

• On June 21 and 22, attend the free interdisciplinary artist workshops via the Loft Workshop Series sponsored by Algoma University, giving participants an exclusive look behind the scenes at creating art and content in multiple formats. Preregistration is encouraged but not required; walk-ins are welcome. 
• On June 23, Stories Steeped in Stone and Theatre In Motion will continue their series at the Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site, showcasing performers Tracie Louttit, Theresa Binda and Kristin DeAmorim in three separate performances. In-person tickets can be purchased for $25 by calling 705-759-5443. The show will also be livestreamed on YouTube. Visit the Stories Steeped in Stone Facebook page for more details and to access the link.  
• Visit the Art X Revive Exhibition at Rolling Pictures located at 498 Queen St. E. on June 24 to view the exhibition curated by Andrea Pinheiro, Annie King, and Desiree Watson. 
• June 25 marks the Summer Moon Festival’s first Indigenous Open Air Market outside of the Mill Market from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 35 Canal Dr. Beginning at 6 p.m., watch Juno winner and Polaris Music Prize Shortlister SHAD, Juno nominated Snotty Nose Rez Kids, and Skratch Bastid free at the YNCU Stage, also located at Mill Market. 

Throughout the week, local and national mural artists will be staying and working in Sault Ste. Marie. Check out Jean Paul Langlois’ work at the Elk’s Lodge (sponsored by YNCU), Kayla “Milkbox” Buium at the Salvation Army (sponsored by Algoma University), local artist Katrina Thibodeau’s new creation at Paint and Décor Concepts (sponsored by OLG), and at Peace Restaurant (sponsored by Village Media and Algoma University). Don’t miss out on the artist’s showcase located at the Art Hub on Spring (500 Queen St. E.), open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. between June 21 and June 25. 

“It’s been too long since we’ve been able to come together and have a good time as a community,” said Josh Ingram, tourism area coordinator. “World-class muralists, amazing artist’s workshops, and a lineup of hip hop artists including this year’s Juno openers and awarding-winning SHAD… you could call this festival the official start of the summer in Baawaating – Sault Ste. Marie!” 

Summer Moon 2022’s Title Sponsor is Your Neighbourhood Credit Union (YNCU), in addition, to support provided by the Ontario Arts Council. Visit this website, follow on Facebook and @artsandculturessm on Instagram for the most up-to-date information.

The Summer Moon Festival is an annual festival where organizations can work together to create and develop accessible, sustainable, multi-disciplinary public art, culture and heritage programming that supports tourism, economic diversity and arts sector development within the region. This event has created a more welcoming and inclusive community for all through increased representation and cross-cultural relationships and through the opportunity for community members to share in multi-cultural experiences and programming. Summer Moon Festival is intended to promote and foster a sense of pride, place, ownership, and inclusion in the community.