Broken Arts celebrates three years of art and music

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Story and photos by Stephanie Foden

Downtown Oshawa was filled with local talent on July 14 as Broken Arts celebrated its third anniversary with its annual art and music festival.

This year, there were nearly double the amount of acts as the year previous with 23 bands, 44 vendors and 11 hours of Broken Arts at Memorial Park in the heart of downtown Oshawa.

“It’s the biggest event we’ve ever had,” said Broken Arts founder, Harley Pageot. “We’re hoping each year will pull in even more people.”

Broken Arts is an Oshawa-based arts collective which formed in 2009. The not-for-profit group is dedicated to conducting all-ages events involving music and art and holds several events throughout the year.

The festival included performances by the Undrummer, Viva Mars, Watershed Hour and was headlined by the Marvelous Beauhunks.

Music was certainly the highlight of the festival, with bands from all over southern Ontario and two stages for performers, however there were several other venders and activities to keep visitors busy. Sidewalk art, hula hoops lessons, instrument making and meet and greet with bands entertained guests between sets. The local vendors sold jewelry, clothing, art, zines and more.

“For some coming to the festival from out of town, this is their first impression of Oshawa,” said Pageot. “So this is something that they’ll always associate with Oshawa.”