The Lineup Is Here!

Abby Nowakowski: Abby Nowakowski is a queer interdisciplinary artist based in Central Frontenac. In their practice, they are constantly questioning how their artwork can be used as an activist tool and contribute to the collective creative building of sustainable futures. Abby explores themes of transformative justice, belonging, and hopefulness. Learning lessons from the natural world, Abby often leans towards local flora and wildlife as powerful examples of community building and resistance.

Artist Statement: This year’s artwork is directly pulling in local wildlife folks might spot during their visit to Hillside since the festival happens within the Guelph Lake Conservation Area. Some of artist Abby Nowakowski’s favourites to the lake are the Northern watersnake (a seriously special find), little whitelip snails, common pondhawk dragonflies, bumble bees, the transverse lady beetle, and of course a vast range of butterflies. These wetlands are also home to native flora like cattails, serviceberries, trout lilies, wild strawberries, goldenrod, red clover, switchgrass, and swamp milkweed. This artwork is a celebration of the ecological diversity and magic that takes place when we mix our stewardship for nature with our love for music, and reminds us that not only is Guelph Lake home to our beloved music festival, but also supports around 80 species at risk, is a sanctuary for near to 250 species of birds, and is the habitat of 90 fish species. While we fill the island with music, dance, and community, we remember to share and sing with all our surrounding neighbours in this watershed.