The Department of Illumination continues its pandemic pivot to keep bringing joy and creativity to the people of Prince Edward County. The third incarnation of their much-loved winter arts event, ICE BOX, has been transformed into an at-home/physically-distanced festival with three main components: an at-home activity box, free online programming, and an art exhibition featuring works from 66 community members.
The “ICE BOX in a Box,” designed by a team of ten County artists, is full of activities to help keep people creative and connected while at home. Filled with fun and surprises for all ages, the limited quantity of boxes quickly sold out online.
In addition to the activity boxes, ICE BOX will also feature free online programming, including video tutorials to inspire creativity, and daily Zoom dance parties. The festival wraps up February 28 with some physically distanced dance flash mobs led by dancer and choreographer Arwyn Carpenter.
Also part of ICE BOX is the culmination of Art in Isolation PEC, an outdoor art exhibition being displayed in Armoury Square on Main Street Picton from February 20-28. The project was started by Krista Dalby and photographer Mehdi Agahi during the spring 2020 lockdown when they invited the community to create and share artwork over a one-month period. The resulting exhibition features 96 works by 66 artists. “It’s like a time capsule from that month of our shared history,” says Dalby. “It’s powerful.” They have also produced a catalogue of the collected works which is available for purchase.
Please visit The Department of Illumination’s website for more details.
