The Journal previews four arts events showcasing the best of Kingston

Art After Dark Friday
September 27, 7–10 p.m.

Indulge your inner art critic with this free evening tour through downtown Kingston’s art galleries and businesses. This twice-annual event showcases the art Kingston has to offer and gives Kingstonians a peek into new collections by emerging and established local creators alike.

The artists featured include Caitlyn Chisamore, Carla Miedema and Matthew Poirier. In addition to traditional painting and sculpture styles, Art After Dark leads visitors through glassblowing studios, metalworks, pottery shows, and even bookbinding displays, celebrating Kingston’s place as a hub for creators and artists across Canada. Art After Dark is a fantastic introduction to Kingston’s art community for interested students.

On September 27, Art After Dark will journey through locations like Martello Alley, Open Studios Kingston and Black Dog Pottery. A full list and map of participating businesses can be found at downtownkingston.ca.

Agnes Etherington Art Centre
Exhibitions up until December 1

The Agnes is kicking off the school year with seven summer-to-winter exhibitions blending international and Canadian art and sharing engaging multimedia collections with art lovers.

To commemorate the 350th anniversary of the death of Dutch Golden Age painter Rembrandt van Rijn, the Agnes will celebrate the artist and his influence on Dutch art. Rembrandt’s works Head of a Man in a Turban, Head of an Old Man in a Cap and Portrait of a Man with Arms Akimbo make up some of the prized artwork in the Bader Collection

Fashion and art exhibition Stepping Out features a variety of Canadian clothing spanning 100 years from the university’s collection. This collection, which includes never-before-seen pieces, showcases the wide variety of outfits everyday Canadians donned for excursions. In addition to historical pieces, the exhibition will feature contemporary art installations and video clips from each era to complement the fashion.

A visit to the Agnes is a great way for students to engage with renowned art close to home. These seasonal exhibits are free for all visitors.

Kingston WritersFest
Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront
September 25-29

Heading into its 13th year, Kingston’s annual WritersFest draws in literary talent from coast to coast, mixing workshops, panel talks, and author readings.

The festival will welcome 75 authors, poets and playwrights to Kingston’s waterfront, including Emma Donoghue, author of 2010 hit novel Room, and M.G. Vassanji, a member of the Order of Canada and two-time winner of the Giller Prize, one-time winner of the Governor General’s Prize and the Commonwealth First Book Prize.

Discussions span a range of topics, like breaking the gender binary with Luna Ferguson, the first Ontarian to have non-binary marked on their birth certificate and Chinese-Canadian cuisine with food writer Ann Hui. Masterclasses will teach everything from Writing 101, constructing the perfect scene, and crafting personal poetry. Lunches prepared by food bloggers and cookbook authors provide new avenues to engage in storytelling. For students interested in creative writing, Kingston WritersFest can provide the insight and encouragement needed to put pen to paper.

Discounted student tickets are available for each individual event both online at kingstonwritersfest.ca and at the doors of the festival’s various waterfront locations.

Kingston Fall Fair
Memorial Centre
September 12-15 from 12-5PM

The Fall Fair, hosted by the Kingston & District Agricultural Society, is a hit every year.

A Kingston autumn staple, the event brings neon lights, Ferris wheels and food trucks close to campus, located just in front of the Memorial Centre. With over 45 games and rides, over 50 vendors, and a multitude of local events and competitions, the Fall Fair is a fantastic way to celebrate the season with your fellow Kingstonians.

In addition to classic carnival fare, the Agricultural Society brings in artisan booths, square dancing, and agricultural showcases like cow, horse, and dog shows. Other classic events include a demolition derby, freestyle motocross, and a tractor pull.

Drop by the Country Singing Showdown to check out an array of the city’s budding vocal talents, and check out (or enter) the photography, home craft and culinary competitions for a chance to share your art with the city.

Whether your interests lie in the arts, history and literature or sheep shearing, Kingston has something for you and your friends this September. Ring in the new school year right and head out to enjoy the arts this month.