Art Out Side Festival - Day 2

‍

"The Nest" - A Look at the Secret Life of Birds

TIME: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

LOCATION: Pioneer Memorial Park (275 Knowle St, Port Moody)

ARTIST: Melissa Burgher

The Nest reveals the hidden importance of protected park areas by highlighting ground-nesting birds such as ducks, geese, killdeer, and plovers. Artist Melissa Burgher will lead participants in creating a 4-5' foot woven bird's nest using sustainably harvested native/invasive plants, including yellow flag iris, ivy, and willow. Through demonstrations of ethical harvesting and traditional/non-traditional weaving techniques, participants will contribute to a collaborative land-based artwork while learning about ecological stewardship. The project transforms public space into an interactive outdoor classroom, fostering environmental awareness, creativity, and community connection through collective making.

"I'm excited to bring people together at the Art Outside Festival to create something that celebrates both art and ecology. By weaving a giant bird's nest from natural, sustainably harvested materials, we can spark curiosity about the hidden lives of ground-nesting birds and inspire a deeper appreciation for the landscapes we share. I hope this project encourages people to see our parks with fresh eyes and recognize the importance of protecting the places wildlife calls home."

‍

The Threads Between Us

TIME: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

LOCATION: Pioneer Memorial Park (275 Knowle St, Port Moody)

ARTIST: Elizabeth Raposo 

This project is an experiential space that encourages festival goers of all ages to participate in the collective creation of a tangible representation of our effect on the community around us. An A-frame tent will be warped with thread and fabric yarn will be provided for participating in the creation of the tapestry covering the tent frame. This installation affords a structure to experience as well as to make and encourages festival goers of all ages, abilities, and interests to participate in the exhibit. The Threads Between Us is a reminder of the deeply entwined connection we all share and our effect on our collective creations, whether we simply exist, observe, and/or create in the space. Participation, experimentation, and questions are encouraged!

"I am so excited to see this project come to life! I am looking forward to working with participants at Art Out Side and hope to inspire others to experiment with making things that speak to them!"

‍

Balance Restored

TIME: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

LOCATION: PoMoArts (2425 St Johns St, Port Moody)

ARTIST: Nickie Lewis

This playfully interactive installation encourages participants to "find balance" through tactile kenetic sculptures and  sound activations. Balance Restored aims to encourage those who interact with it to find a middle ground between hope and despair. 

"I'm excited to participate in Art Outside because I love the opportunity to showcase my work outdoors in an unexpected way."

‍

Mike Purchas

TIME: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

LOCATION: Newport Village (Newport Dr, Port Moody)

ARTIST: Mike Purchas

Get outside to relax and enjoy some country inspired favorites. 

"I am excited to be a returning artist to the Art Outside Festival! I love playing outdoors in our awesome community."

‍

What We Embrace, Alt folk/Roots Duo

TIME: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

LOCATION: Newport Village (Newport Dr, Port Moody)

ARTISTS: What We Embrace (Lindalouise Greig, Dougie Greig)

At their roots What We Embrace tell stories, some triumphant, some less so. Their sound is teetering between Indie Folk, Alt Country and New Americana, their voices blending, and weaving in beautifully haunting places. Their songs are a journey through heartbreak, loss and redemption. They make music for the dreamers, the broken and the yet-to-be-found. 2025 Highlights include a feature on Global news for Khatsalano on the Vancouver Folk Festival stage and were honoured to play Burnaby Blues and Roots festival in 2025.

"We are excited to play live in our new community having moved to Port Moody in 2026. As emerging artists we are looking forward creating connection with the audience through storytelling."

‍

The Suitcase Sea: Messages from the Inner Tide

TIME: 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM and 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

LOCATION: Port Moody Shoreline Trail

ARTISTS: Harmonie Garry

A peculiar messenger has fallen asleep along the Shoreline Trail, a suitcase resting at their feet. Inside, some lost messages longing to be heard. To awaken the lost sleeper, the wind whispers that one must fish out one of the bottles the tide has left behind. What will happen? What story will unfold? What follows is part ritual, part encounter, part dream. Not everything needs to be understood to be felt. Before you leave, you are invited to write a few words and slip them back into the suitcase... adding your own trace to the tide.

"Whispering my language on my favorite trail is something I’ve been dreaming of for a long time. I’m excited to finally bring it to life—stepping a little out of my comfort zone and offering others a small, poetic, slightly unusual and unexpected encounter."

‍

Michael Deacon

TIME: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

LOCATION: Newport Village (Newport Dr, Port Moody)

ARTIST: Michael Deacon

I’ll be sharing a mix of original music and covers from different countries around the world, including songs from Romania, my parents’ home country. I love bringing passion and inspiration through my voice and offering that energy to listeners. For me, music is about connection — creating a shared experience where we can feel, sing, and come together in a sense of unity. I’m excited to share these songs, stories, and sounds with you.

"I'm excited to be part of Art Outside because I love playing music alongside the elements in the outdoors, where people can relish the sounds of music as well and feel unbound."

‍

Mahaul

TIME: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

LOCATION: Newport Village (Newport Dr, Port Moody)

ARTISTS: Mahaul (Harrison Smyth, Slang)

Mahaul is an extension of singer and guitarist Harrison Smyth’s solo material. Created in November 2025 by incorporating Bassist Slang and Drummer Niko Kulka, they seek to alter your senses with their hypnotic rhythms, powerful lyrics and melodic melancholy. They draw from a wide range of genres including Punk, Psychedelic Rock, Folk, Grunge and Indie Rock. Come see this musical mutt on August 8th!

“I’m excited to be part of Art Outside because I love busking. Typically you can find me outside Richmond-Brighouse station strumming my squat, made-in-china, classical guitar like I’m attempting to strangle it to death. I like the raw feeling of screaming my lungs out in front of unsuspecting passers by. Come see a more polished version of my manic street preacher self on August 8th, you won’t be disappointed.” - Harrison Smyth