About Us

Autumn In The Country is an arts festival just outside of Ottawa that showcases the incredible talent of Eastern Ontario artists. From studio visits and exhibitions to live demonstrations and interactive components, the festival is a celebration of creativity and passion.

Close-up of pink peony flowers with dark green leaves.
A hand holding a paintbrush and painting on a colorful canvas.

North Star

To support emerging, established, and aspiring artists in Russell Township and the surrounding rural communities by providing opportunities to showcase their work, strengthen community connections, and present a modernized Autumn in the Country Arts Festival that celebrates local creativity while honouring the agricultural roots and long-standing tradition of this historic, popular, local event.

Mission Statement

The Autumn in the Country Arts Festival supports artistic practice and enriches artistic experiences by advocating for and showcasing emerging, established, and professional visual artists living and working in the Township of Russell and surrounding rural communities. As an annual multi-day festival, we foster meaningful community connections by inviting residents and visitors to engage with artists through open studios, workshops, seminars, and social events that celebrate the depth and diversity of the creative sector within our rural community.

Values

Rooted in and complementary to our agricultural landscape and industries, the festival generates cultural tourism, contributes to local economic development, and strengthens community vitality. Guided by values of inclusivity, mentorship, and heritage preservation, we honour elder artists, uplift emerging voices, provide positive role models for youth, and preserve our shared artistic history—ensuring the arts continue to sustain and reflect the rural community we call home.

Community Partners

The logo of the Russell Fair, featuring images of a cow, a calf, a corn ear, a ribbon award, and a boat, with a green background and yellow text.

Autumn In The Country is proudly supported by the Russell Agricultural Society. We share a common vision of cultivating community spirit and agricultural roots by bridging our rural diversity with a vibrant future.

GoûtArt logo with the words 'Community | Altruism' below
Illustration of a white church building next to a snow-covered pine tree with a red and white background. Text overlay reading 'Russell Historical Society Keith M. Boyd Museum'.
Logo for Prescott Russell Arts Council with blue, green, yellow brushstroke design and text in French and English.
The crest of Russell Township featuring a mouse, a shield with symbols, and a banner with Latin phrase, alongside the text 'Municipalité de RUSSELL Township'.

Join the organizing committee

We meet once-two times a month to organize and grow the festival. We’d love to have you on board! Fill out the form to get in touch