Art in the Garden: Where Music Takes Root

 Article and Photos by Melanie Macpherson

Tucked away in the heart of Saskatchewan farmland, something magical bloomed on June 14—not just flowers, but music, art, and connection.

Art in the Garden, hosted by artist and musician Valerie Wiebe, is no ordinary festival. Set against the backdrop of Valerie’s lush, maze-like backyard—complete with character home, greenhouses, gazebos, and bunkhouses—it feels more like stumbling into an enchanted homestead than arriving at an event. Cozy and personal, it invites you to slow down, wander, and take part, not just take in.

The stage—a modest setup at one end of a green, sun-drenched lawn—stood just steps from the garage “green room” used the week before for Songs in the Garden, a songwriting workshop I attended with my daughter. That intimacy carried into the festival itself, where artists mingled with guests and kids darted around between the pottery table, a balloon artist, food vendors and an instrument petting zoo, leaving smudges of creativity in their wake.

The artisan market stretched out like a patchwork quilt, stitched with wrought iron and stained glass, clay turtles and painted solar lights, handcrafted jewelry and shimmering canvases. Live painters from Leyline Studios worked steadily throughout the day, their work evolving alongside the music. A pair of henna artists etched temporary masterpieces on eager arms and ankles. Food trucks fed the hungry. The wind danced through the trees. We all kept one cautious eye on the sky. And then, of course, there was the music.

There was a real joy in the lineup: local favourites like The Radiant brought huge energy and heart, anchoring the evening with the kind of performance that pulls people to their feet whether they mean to or not. The Great Fuss leaned into their high-energy rock grooves. Skaravan turned the lawn into a dance floor with ska-infused brass and rhythm. Karissa Hoffart, who also mentored songwriters the week prior, delivered an earnest country set full of strength and sincerity. NSMZ alumni like Christopher and the Saints and Andreea the Narrative made welcome returns, and Koricancha transported us southward with music rooted in the Andes. Dance Collective YXE brought their joyful and inclusive spirit with performances by three different groups of dancers.

Even the weather played along, mostly. Tornado and thunderstorm warnings loomed at the edges of the day, but the storms passed just wide enough to spare us. The wind picked up once or twice, but we were gifted a dramatic sky and, late in the day, a sweet and sudden rain that sent everyone into the moment. Wet, laughing, cooled from the heat—we danced, and then dried off just in time for The Radiant to close things out.

Earlier in the afternoon, a high point for me came during the Songs in the Garden songwriting showcase. Kurt Dahl, who was there to represent law firm and sponsors Miller Thomson, helped introduce the groups. My daughter’s group performed their song “One People”—a heartfelt original co-written with Valerie, Naomi, and Earl Pereira (of The Steadies and formerly Wide Mouth Mason), who had mentored the workshop. There were solos too, including Valerie performing with her son, hip-hop artist JUSTDAVE_the1 who performed later with hip hop group Connect the Dots.

Then it was my group’s turn. Isabelle (a.k.a. Belle Diabolique), Orianna, and I took the stage with our original song, “Common Ground.” It was a little surreal to be up there, performing in front of a real audience, especially surrounded by such young and talented artists. But it felt right. And I’ll admit, that chorus still lives rent-free in my brain:

“We grow together 

Face the weather 

Even when the rain is falling down 

On Common Ground.”

After all the work, the nerves, the practicing —it felt like a gift to see something we made take root in the world, even just for one small moment. Maybe especially because it was a small moment.

By the time the last note faded and bonfire preparations were being discussed, my daughter was sugar-crashed and sun-kissed, and I was full in that contented, end-of-day way that only music festivals (and maybe gardens) can give you. We headed home before the afterparty, but we left with hearts full.

Art in the Garden isn’t just a music festival. It’s a celebration of community, creativity, and cultivating the spaces—literal and emotional—that let both grow. It’s about showing up, making something, and sharing it—even when the rain is falling down.