When it was announced in April 2022 that the 166th Harrow Fair was back up and running, the fire of creative spirit fluttered inside me.

I immediately began to look at what the categories were for entering, such as the theme, the final details and the submission dates for finished pieces. As we know, Art during the pandemic has changed in a lot of ways. But for the faithful fair entrants, it begins an exciting time of year.

The Harrow Fair doesn’t open officially until Sept 1st. Already I have completed 1 entry and have practiced a few others. I’m hoping this year to enter in as many categories as possible.

As a local aspiring artist, I truly appreciate all the support and mentoring I receive from the local Windsor Essex Artists. I interact often with members of the Arts Council of Windsor and Essex, and the ASK Society of Kingsville. And I can tell you, the creative fires keep burning by visiting local galleries and art exhibits. 

A main characteristic of a successful artist is that each exhibitor must have confidence. It takes a lot of “gumption” to bring your pieces to the show, see them hung on the huge gallery walls and have the general public admire them. I can say regretfully that I have taken the shy route and passed on entering a show or two because of a lack of confidence.

However, the advice I have received the most from professional artists more than once is “just do it, you never know, it's only art!”

To you the artist, the artistic process involves hours and hours of blood, sweat, tears, paint, water, self-criticism and self-doubt. To the art aficionado, art is admired, appreciated and loved. Art often elicits deep emotions in the admirer. 

In my personal “art as therapy journey,” the moment of silence in the gallery, as well as the awe experienced by the viewer while looking at a piece, is truly an achievement. 

As the sun sets on another Harrow Fair, the paint brushes aren’t put away completely. Hints of the 2023 theme will be announced and artists will ponder whether or not to enter as an exhibitor in the upcoming show. The dream of coming home with a ribbon or trophy is closer for some than others, but nevertheless, all exhibitors are on a significant artistic journey that is often profound and life-enriching.