Local artists, crafters and community members gathered in Smith for another successful Art Walk on June 13, an event designed to celebrate local talent and bring residents together.

“The goal is to showcase local talent and to give an opportunity to people to view the products,” says Ruth Reay, from the Smith Library. “We also like to show appreciation to our volunteers and community.”

According to Reay, the event first started in 2023. Although the 2024 event was cancelled because of poor weather, organizers brought it back in 2025 and again this year.

The Art Walk featured 12 vendors showcasing their work, says Reay. Visitors had the chance to browse pottery, woodworking, dream catchers, knitting, quilts, paintings, laser-engraved items, Indigenous crafts and baked goods.

Young entrepreneurs also joined the event, selling lemonade to attendees.

Reay says one of her favourite parts of the event is seeing the wide range of talent that exists within the community.

The event attracted between 60 and 65 people throughout the day. In addition to the vendor displays, visitors enjoyed live entertainment from local musicians, face painting, and a jigging contest.

Organizers are already looking ahead to next year. Reay says a planning meeting will be held in September to discuss ideas for future events.

Suggestions include extending the event by an extra hour and moving all vendors into one location in the park to make it easier for visitors to explore the displays.

Reay thanked the community for supporting the event.
“The support received from locals was awesome,” she says. “To the community of Smith, thanks for supporting this event and volunteering.”

She also extended a thank you to Family and Community Support Services for providing grant funding.

Julia Magsombol
Lakeside Leader