The Art Emporium: A Diverse Regional Collection

A popular destination for art enthusiasts, Port Stanley is home to the Art Emporium, Boathouse Gallery and Gift Boutique. Located at 177 Main St., Port Stanley, the facility consists of two unique sections: The Boathouse Gallery and the Gift Boutique.

The Boathouse Gallery is a bright and spacious area with a beachfront view. It houses the original fine art of a diverse group of over 30 talented local and regional artists. The artists work in many media spanning from paintings to sculptures, photography, pottery, textiles, and more.

While at the Art Gallery explore the Gift Boutique, offering a wide assortment of handcrafted items, made by artisans in the community. The handcrafted goods are a treasure trove of wood turning, hand painted silks, one-of-a-kind aprons, jewellery, bead-work, art cards and more. No two visits to the Art Emporium are the same; visitors and art enthusiasts alike are sure to find a unique memento or a special gift.

The artists of the Art Emporium demonstrate their passion for art and their desire to share it with others. The five members on the board of directors act as responsible members of the art community by giving their over 30 member artists input into decisions made at the gallery. They are committed to fostering growth in the arts community and supporting the efforts of the many talented artists in the area by providing an affordable display space and promoting the sale of fine art.

For more information about the Art Emporium or to discover the Elgin Arts Trail visit www.elginartstrail.ca.

Presto Pesto

Here is a simple recipe to help you use up all that fresh Basil in your garden! If you didn't grow Basil yourself, head to one of Elgin's many farmers' markets or to Heritage Line Herbs to get some of the fresh, locally grown herb.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Combine the basil in with the pine nuts/walnuts, pulse a few times in a food processor. 

2. Add the garlic, pulse a few times more.

3. Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. 

4. Stop and scrape down the sides of the food processor. 

5. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. 

6. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with pasta, or over baked potatoes, or spread over toasted baguette slices.

Everything is Peachy at Great Lakes Farms

Great Lakes Farms is pleased to invite people young and old to celebrate their first ever Peach Fest.

The event will be held on August 17 from 10 am - 5 pm and August 18 from 11 am - 5 pm and will include the opportunity for visitors to pick their own fresh juicy peaches and to enjoy some delicious, made on the farm baked goods.

“We give people the chance to have some good old fashioned farm fun,” said owner MaryAnne Van de Gevel. “No visit is complete without a wagon ride around the farm or a trip through our corn maze.”

Great Lakes Farms grows high quality Elgin County fruit, just minutes from scenic Port Stanley. Fresh strawberries, juicy tree ripened peaches, pears, pumpkins and 12 varieties of crunchy delicious apples are available fresh when in season.

For more information about Great Lakes Farms or to learn about Peach Fest visit www.greatlakesfarms.ca or search Great Lakes Farms on Facebook or Twitter for updates.

Elgin's Own "Amazing Race" is Back!