What do you do when the sound stops? Walk the Trails.

It is funny, or strange, or expected or even hoped for - that when all of the sights, smells, and sounds of Christmas - it really does just literally STOP!!! or that is what it seems like.

All the concerts are done, people walking out humming their favourite song or carol from the show. The shopping is done and looking into those wonderful Christmas windows. The displays or performances are done and they have moved you. And then quiet, white noise, sighs and just nothing.

BUT there is something to enjoy in Uxbridge that is always here, always available, always open and it is because of a dedicated group of naturalists that we can all enjoy it. Welcome to the Trails Of Uxbridge Township.

One thing for sure, Uxbridge should be very proud that because of these dedicated people, we can now lay claim to one of the largest and longest group of Trails in Ontario. Over 220 kilometers of managed trails.

Here are a few that you can try - and see some of natures pallet and canvas yourself.

Local to the town - Countryside Preserve Trail where you will actually be able to see a piece of art displayed for your enjoyment by John Pryce.

Trials that are located in Uxbridge - Quaker Trail which will give you a gorgeous view of the town much as the Quakers would have seen it when they first spotted this valley and decided to stay. Some others are South Balsam Trail, Wooden Sticks Trail, and Ewen Trail.

Finally to see some history in Uxbridge, walk the Historic Trail and understand why we are so proud of our town.

For your health or for the opportunity to see the beauty of this township OR to see Mother Nature's own art, try the Trails of Uxbridge Township.

Up and comer - and so young too

There are many forms of art, and thankfully with the widely used medium of the internet, we can see so many more then we would ever be able to see live. The other benefit for this medium is that younger, up and coming and struggling artists can utilize this forum to showcase their work and what they have to offer to the community.

I know such a person. Her name is Meg MacKenzie and she is in her early 20's. Meg is a photographer first and foremost, but is also known to dabble in film, painting and crafts. She is a friend of my daughter and though she lives in Barrie - has been known to "hang out" in Uxbridge and just loves what she sees here. Uxbridge is a muse for her.

I have seen Meg at work, and how she catches a sense of wonder and beauty in so many of the most things that I might see as mundane. When you see the results of her finished photographs, you just have to stand and look in awe. One of the funniest things that Megs is known for is her Ridiculous Shoe Collection and they are wild to see.

I am truly convinced that I will say one day, when Meg MacKenzie is going to be an influential artist in our community and also the wider artistic community, that I knew her when. Check her out and you will know her when too.

Uxbridge lights up the sky - visual art at it's best ....

Wow Christmas is almost here and people are running around going berserk - did I get enough food for christmas visitors? what about the gifts? did I forget anyone? did I get enough for everyone? WAH - they are not wrapped. Oh no, what about the Christmas cards. Do we send them? or send just an email? CRAP - we forgot to do a yearly letter.

So much pressure for a time of year that should be filled with joy, thankfulness, remembrance, positive expectations, family, and all over warmth of this time of year.

All you need to do is take the time and all that other stuff will be forgotten. Honest, trust me.

Uxbridge has two very large "Art Shows" on display over the next few days, and running for a number of days.

If you haven't witnessed a "Living Nativity" you are in for a treat. Even if your belief does not lean towards Jesus miraculous birth, and the story of angels, shepherds and wise men. This is a stunning event to see. Live animals, 125 performers and a story that will give hope. The performance will happen each evening at 7:30 and 8:15 on December 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th.

It will be held at the Centennial Park beside the Township offices.

THEN - go over to Elgin Park and see the display of Christmas lights galore with the Optimist Club Fantasy of Lights. There will be over 20 displays throughout the park, and you can either walk or drive through. These displays have been installed by groups, businesses and individuals to show a colourful brilliance during this season. You can wander through this from 6pm - 9:30 every night from December 17th to 25th. I would suggest walking through the display as you will also hear seasonal music being played throughout.

The Admission is FREE but donations are encouraged because all of the donations will be put right back into the Optimists program for youth in the community.

Celebration of wonderful arts happening in Uxbridge township during this Christmas season.

I wish all of you a joyous holiday season filled with wondrous memories. And please remember those that don't feel joyful during this season for various reasons. One word or gesture by you, CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE.

Oscar winning artist in our Uxbridge community

Yes, that's right, we have an Oscar winning Cinematographer living in Uxbridge community and is on the Celebration of the Arts executive committee - Christopher Chapman. Not only is he an oscar winner, he has also had another nomination. NOT only that - he also has been awarded the Order of Canada.

He is also a director, editor, producer, photographer, artist and just an all round GREAT GUY!!!!

Christopher and his wife, Glen, have been involved in the Celebration of the Arts committee for a number of years, and are very hard working and diligent members of numerous art support groups in the area. During one of the Celebration's event this past year, there was a night of Celebrating Christopher's contribution to the as the pioneer of the method of filming seen in his Oscar winning documentary film "A Place To Stand". Yes, some of you might remember that as the film that was shown during the Expo 67 shown at the Ontario Pavilion in Montreal.

The evening was filled with so many aspects of Christopher's life, his accomplishments and his wondrous contributions to the arts. There were guest speakers, showing of the pivotal "A Place to Stand" but also other pieces he has done. Just a tribute to this wonderful man.

And you got to see his twin brother and wonder "Which one is Christopher and who's hand do I shake?". It is a privilege to know Christopher and Glen, and even more of a joy to be able to spend time with them as a hard working couple on the Celebration of the Arts Committee.

Now a wonderful story to tell you how humble this icon in filming really is.

Two years ago during the promotion time for Celebration of the Arts, our local bookstore - Blue Heron Books - asked Christopher if they could show his Oscar statue with the promotion for a Short Film Festival that is done every year (now that is for another blog), and I happened to meet Christopher just outside of the store entrance. In his hand was the Oscar, wrapped in a LCBO bag, so that people wouldn't see what he was carrying. He did not have a proper bag for it as the case disappeared some time ago. There in his hand, on the street in Uxbridge, was a true and genuine Oscar statue, being carried in a LCBO bag. Needless to say, I found Christopher a lovely, non-descript and very discrete flannel bag to keep his Oscar in when it travelled. Your secrets safe with me Christopher.

Christmas music overdrive ....

There are many things that distinguish one community from another, and there definitely does needs to be something to stand out.

I really have to smile, because all I can think about is a "Corner Gas" episode where they are trying to get the 'biggest something' to get tourists and people to come to there town, and all they could come up with was a big hoe - YES, that is what I said - a BIG HOE! so very funny.

However, one of the things that makes Uxbridge community so special is the number of choir/chorale groups that they have within this town. There are the church choirs, school choirs, small groups and I don't want to miss them but there are too many to even remember - and remember I am so much older it is hard to remember what I am supposed to remember.

But there are wonderfully skilled and entertaining groups, many performing over this upcoming Christmas time all over the place.

Just last night, December 3rd, Belle Nove performed at the Pine Grove Christmas service under the direction of Jennifer Neveu-Cook. This is a group of 10 young ladies who are studying voice in the RCM program.

December 4th, Monday Morning Singers under the direction of Anne Mizen, will be performing Christmas songs. Within the program will be Kenneth Welsh reading Christmas poems. This will be held at St. Pauls Anglican Church in Uxbridge. MMS are a group of ladies that just love to sing - most pieces are SSAA split, and the harmonies are wonderful.

December 11th and 12th - One Voice, directed by Charles White, will be performing with special guest Uxbridge Youth Choir (again under the leadership of Jennifer Neveu-Cook) at St. Pauls Anglican church. The program is called Sounds of the Season.

Sunday December 13th, the Uxbridge Chamber Choir, under Thomas Baker, will be entertaining "A Christmas Carol" - a program of songs and a dramatic reading of Charles Dickens wonderful story. Special guests include CBC Host Michael Enright. This can be seen at Trinity United Church on 1st Avenue.

WOWEEE!! there really is a great reason to Celebrate the art of singing in Uxbridge.

How many artists does it take to change ......

I can't believe that Uxbridge would be able to congregate over 60 artists within a 15 km drive but that is exactly what happens during the Celebration of the Arts in Uxbridge. One of the 3 weekends of The Celebration, there is a Studio Tour of over 29 local artists, and over 30 guest artists. You can go to visit them in their studio, ask questions, witness creation styles, understand where they might get their muse perhaps - but see where brilliance is created.

AND ITS FREE.

They range from award winning canvas artists, scultpures, jewellery makers, pottery, multi media, silk artists and it goes on and on. Some of the artists are very well known for their skill - Cynthia Cupples, Ross Colby, Shelly Burke, Wynn Walters, Lynne McIlvride Evans and more.

Did I tell you it is FREE?

This is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of the local countryside, experience the hospitality of our warm and welcoming community and see creations of art, all within a short drive.

Can't wait to see what the 25th year Celebrations brings to the Studio Tour.

Did I tell you it is FREE?