Honouring Arts Festival

07/24/2025

07/16/2025

If Emily’s radiant smile and contagious joie de vivre don’t grab you, her heartfelt approach surely will. As host and creator of What’s Your Twenty?, she's all about encouraging people (and really, everyone) to speak up about mental health. No bravado—just real, courageous conversations.

With empathy rooted in her own lived experience of post-traumatic stress injury, Emily encourages listeners to share where they are—mentally and emotionally—turning vulnerability into strength.

“You don’t need to man up. I just want you to speak up.”

Emily’s energy is uplifting, her mission is vital, and her podcast brings authenticity and hope to every episode. Whether it’s exploring trauma, relationships, or staying well in today’s fast-paced world.

Let’s spread the word—if you haven’t listened yet, now’s the time! And Emily, thank you for shining a light on what truly matters and being with us.

What's Your Twenty?

07/14/2025

Every bar of soap has a story and behind this one is a maker with heart, passion, and a love for all things natural. Have you met Nadine from N**e Soaps ?

With a deep appreciation for the simple things, clean ingredients, calming scents and everyday rituals. This talented woman artisan handcrafts small-batch soaps that nourish both skin and soul.

Each bar is made with care, using gentle, natural ingredients and thoughtful blends that turn an everyday moment into something special. From earthy tones to fresh florals, there's a little something for everyone.

So the next time you lather up, remember: you're not just using soap—you're holding a piece of someone’s story, poured, cut, and wrapped with love.

07/11/2025

Did you get the chance to meet J.P. Waxington?
What was your favourite scent or product?

April and Chad are the awesome duo behind J.P. Waxington Candle Co., and their story is just as warm as their candles.

April’s always loved making handmade gifts, and Chad’s been crafting candles for over 15 years. Chad is a Canadian Forces veteran, and candle-making became a source of comfort for him during tough times.

Together, they’ve built something beautiful—hand-poured soy candles, melts, and home mists inspired by the Ottawa Valley, camping adventures, and the simple joy of being outdoors. 🌲🏕️

Everything is vegan and made with love. And the best part? Their scents are designed to feel personal, like a memory in a jar.

Tell us, did a scent take you back to a special moment?

07/10/2025

Whether it’s a certified support animal or a beloved companion, animals like this bring comfort, calm, and connection to many in our community. Their presence is more than heartwarming, it’s healing.

We believe in creating spaces where everyone feels supported, seen, and safe… and yes, that includes our furry friends too.

Thank you to all the special visitors—human and animal—who helped make the day so meaningful.

07/09/2025

We’re beyond grateful to have Jacky Facepainting as part of the Honouring Arts Festival! 💛 Her generosity, talent, and passion light up every face she paints and every heart she meets.

Whether it's butterflies, animals, or whimsical designs, Jacky brings pure magic to the day with her joyful spirit and incredible artistry. Watching her in action is like witnessing a live art performance—each smile she creates reminds us why community and creativity go hand in hand.

Thank you, Jacky, for sharing your gifts with us and for helping make the festival a place of joy, expression, and belonging. We’re so lucky to have you with us—and we can’t wait to work with you again!

Jacky's Face Painting by Jacqueline ten Hartog Ottawa Area Face Painter
📷 Jenna Gernon

07/08/2025

The most meaningful thing we found at the Honouring Arts Festival wasn’t just the crafts, music, or creativity—it was friendship.

In every shared story, every smile, every hand reaching out to help set up or clean up, we saw connection.

This festival reminded us that when we slow down and create together, we find each other. 💛

07/07/2025

There’s something quietly powerful about watching people slow down — even just a little — to make space for connection.

We witnessed families choosing togetherness. Choosing to put away the rush, the noise, the screens… and instead pick up a brush, share a smile, or sit side by side creating something meaningful.

These moments — of laughter, of focus, of simply being present — remind us why we do this.
Not for the perfect artwork.
Not for the busy schedule.
But for this:

The gentle joy of time well spent. 💛

Thank you to everyone who chose to share your family time with us. You’re not just creating art — you’re creating memories.

📷 Jenna Gernon

06/28/2025

And like always, we leave without a sound.
This story continues,
but we are already on to the next one,
chasing another fleeting moment, constatly on the move.

06/19/2025

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. 💛🎨

To everyone who came out to the Honouring Arts Festival — thank you. Your presence meant more than you know.

This festival wasn’t just about art. It was about breaking isolation, opening up important conversations around mental health, and creating space where we can connect... human to human.

This was a grassroots event, built with care, community spirit, and a belief that art has the power to heal, unite, and uplift. And what made it even more powerful was seeing local organizations come together, not in silos but in support of one another, each adding their own spark to the day.

Seeing people share stories, laugh, reflect, and connect, that’s what it’s all about.

Let’s keep making space for these conversations. Let’s continue supporting one another. Let’s stay connected.

A very special thank you to Kim and Ravenstone Productions for capturing these moments so beautifully and helping us tell our story through film. Your presence and support added so much heart to the day.

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