NFOTA’s Opening Weekend–What Fun!

Northumberland Festival of the Arts opened with a fun-filled evening of music Friday at Victoria Hall. Cobourg’s Poet Laureate Jessica Outram MC’d the event. NFOTA president Gwynn Scheltema welcomed everyone to the festival. And Parliamentary Poet Laureate Louise Halfe – Sky Dancer shared her thoughts about our human need for the arts, and how everyone…

What’s on at the Festival: Literary Workshops

Have you always wanted to write a novel or memoir? Do you have a book you want to self-publish? Or would you just like to take a little time to explore and develop your inner poet/writer? Wherever your interests lie, there’s a workshop for you at the Northumberland Festival of the Arts, September 16 –…

What’s on at the Festival: Creativity Days

Art is not just for viewing, but also for participating in. NFOTA has organized two full days of exploring your own creativity – no experience necessary! Discover how to tap into your creativity at the Northumberland Festival of the Arts, September 16 – October 2, 2022, taking place in Northumberland County’s picturesque towns and beautiful…

Tickets on Sale Now for Northumberland Festival of the Arts!

View the entire event schedule and purchase tickets here : The Northumberland Festival of the Arts will take place over 16 days from September 16 to October 2 in Cobourg, Port Hope, Warkworth, Trent River, Brighton, Castleton, Colborne and Alderville, as well as a tour of artists studios in the north and eastern parts of…

Why Poetry? by Kate Rogers

A lot of writers and artists make Northumberland County home! One important reason my husband and I chose to settle here after two decades abroad is the many poets and visual artists who practice their craft here. What is poetry? According to Margaret Atwood, “Poetry is condensed emotion.” Poets often focus on epiphanies—flashes of understanding…

Northumberland Art Lovers: Spirit of the Hills Writers’ Group

“I’m constantly blown away by the sheer number of people in this county involved in writing and publishing. I’m also awed by the amazing projects that have come out of this group.” Gwynn Scheltema In this series we feature interviews and discussions with Individual Artists, Leaders of Arts Groups and Organizations, Civic Leaders, and other…

Letter to a Poet: an exchange between Jessica Outram and Gwynn Scheltema

The following exchange appeared in Writescape.ca and Cobourg Now. Letter to a Poet There’s nothing better than words of encouragement that arrive seemingly out of nowhere. That recently happened to me when my long-time friend, Jessica, sent an email with a link to the local online newspaper, in which she had written a letter addressed…