3 July 2015Rene Trim's Arts & Crafts: A look ahead at JulyA new month is upon us so here is my selection of upcoming events in Ottawa and the Valley:** Kingston Artfest (Kingston) **July 3 & 4There are 2 days left in this 4-day event (part of Artfest Ontario) that features 150 artists and artisans from across Ontario and Quebec. Walk the shady paths of Kingston’s beautiful City Park and enjoy pottery, glass, wood, jewellery, gourmet food, art, as well as live music and theatre. The event has lots to offer for adult and kids alike - read more about it on Artfest’s website** Almonte Celtfest (Almonte) **July 10, 11 & 12Celtfest’smission is to celebrate and promote the Celtic heritage of the Ottawa Valley through music and dance, and to make this accessible to all. Up-and-coming performers are given an opportunity to display their talents in their home community at a free event. Also present is a group of artisans and vendors of Celtic goods. There will be entertainment for children, along with great food and beverages for all! Check out the full schedule of events on Celtfest's [ website ](http://almonteceltfest.com/schedule/) ** Osgoode Medieval Festival (Osgoode) **July 10, 11 & 12Step back in time at the Kingdom of Osgoode’s Medieval Festival and enjoy the market, the exciting (full contact) jousting performances by the Knights of Valour, a medieval murder mystery and much more! Visit the event’s website for the full program .** Ottawa Makers' Market (Ottawa) **July 11Ottawa Makers Market is a new (the first market was held in June) monthly community event that brings local entrepreneurs, artists, musicians and makers together with the public to showcase and sell their work in a fun and collaborative environment. The event is held at the Rideau Curling Club Ice Shed, located at 715 Cooper Street in Ottawa (Centretown). More info can be found on the event's [ Facebook page ](https://www.facebook.com/ottawamakersmarket) ** Renfrew Art in the Park (Renfrew) **July 11 & 12First launched in 2012, Art in the Park is a family-oriented gathering that promotes arts and culture by showcasing the work of Renfrew Art Guild members as well as independent artisans from the greater Ottawa Valley area. Held in a small tent city in Renfrew’s Haramis Park, the event attracts visitors from all over the Valley, Perth, Deep River and beyond. More information can be found on the Renfrew Art Guild website** Muskoka Art & Crafts Summer Show (Bracebridge) **July 17, 18 & 19Now in its 52nd year, Muskoka Arts & Crafts' Summer Show is Muskoka’s oldest and largest outdoor art show. Set in beautiful Annie Williams Memorial Park, the Summer Show features 200 creative artists from across Canada. Approximately 20,000 to 25,000 enthusiastic people visit the Summer Show to meet the makers and see their work. Visit the show’s website for details.** HOMEmade Sizzle (Kanata) **July 25 & 26Get ready for Ottawa’s Hottest Summer Craft Event as 100+ local artists and artisans will take over the former Target location at the Hazeldean Mall (located at Hazeldean and Eagleson, just off the 417 Eagleson exit, and across the street from the Eagleson Park ‘n Ride). More information can be found here .** Ottawa Valley Midsummer Herbfest (Almonte) **July 26Join this Ottawa Valley tradition of healthy living that combines a large marketplace of over 100 artisans with informative lectures, a chefs’ cook-off and live entertainment. The event will be held on July 26 just outside the town of Almonte at the Herb Garden, located at 3840 Old Almonte Road. More information can be found on the event’s website .That’s it for now, folks; have a creative week and don’t forget to support local!