Third Friday in Ottawa returns to Madison Street

Madison Street in Ottawa is ready to come to life again.

Third Friday Artisan Market is returning Friday, July 21, to the 200 block of West Madison Street for its second of three events planned over the summer.

The event from 6 to 9 p.m. will feature local artisans, food vendors, live music and family-friendly activities, among other items. The block will be closed to all vehicle traffic, allowing visitors to walk on the street.

The event also will feature a visit from British contemporary artist Stuart Semple, who will be a part of spontaneous art happenings in more than 30 locations around the globe this month, including Ottawa.

Taking place at Open Space Gallery, 223 W. Madison St., visitors will be able to participate in the art moment.

After kicking off the project at this year’s Glastonbury Festival, Semple is collaborating with global communities, including Mexico City, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo and Montreal to release a series of Happenings – “Joy Sandwich.”

“Joy Sandwich” Happenings will wrestle once again with recurring themes in Semple’s work – ideas of technological isolation, physical community, connection and the impact of art on societal mental health. These spontaneous works will erupt and be led entirely by the participants.

Semple’s theme is one of coming together, union and imagining a possible future built for communities where art and joy coalesce to form new physical bonds. Anyone can participate in the happening at Open Space. Learn more at www.StuartSemple.com/Happenings

Amanda Weygand Zehr is the owner of Open Space Gallery and the organizer of Ottawa’s Third Friday. Her main goal is to make art accessible for her community and to provide opportunities for local artists.

Semple is a multi-disciplinary British artist who has presented several performances and happenings, including his famous HappyCloud work, where artificially generated eco clouds in the shape of smileys were released into the sky.

Additionally, more than 30 local vendors are lined up to participate in Friday’s market. They include Grateful Clay, Tricera Designs, Girl Dad Soap, Barns Cut Flower Farm, The Creative Jenn, Emily Maze, Midwest Candle Co., Joce Handmade, Goetz Creative, Photography by Hailey Williams, Clara Brubaker Illustration, Toil & Thyme, Kristina Fisher, Christine Mateu, Simply Play, Peter Mayszak, Crafty Bee, Sweet Escape Cookies, Closet of Mali Rachel, AMW Perspective, Jeremiah Joe Coffee, Starved Rock Candle Melts, Quirky Squirrel, Broke Glass Chick, Jacqueline Joann, Howlin Moon Bakery, Face Painting with Kaylin, Anna Gruenwald, In & Out Blowouts, Nonnas Woodshop, Ottawa Community Thrift, Alice Matthews and Food From Saffron.