Hello again! Welcome to the second edition of the Forest City Arts and Culture Roundup. Starting today with a new feature…
Hiding in Plain Sight – London Creatives in the News
We have no shortage of talent in the Forest City, but it’s honestly surprising how often London artists earn national attention, win major awards, or make headlines elsewhere while flying completely under the radar at home.
Hiding in Plain Sight shines a spotlight on remarkable local creatives that are making waves far beyond our city limits. Fabulous London artists - they walk among us!
I am that person who says to people – “Did you know that person is from London? Or to my American and European colleagues – “You know that guy is Canadian right?”
Adam Sturgeon on the CBC x3
You’ll probably notice a CBC theme in my articles – I listen to our national broadcaster a lot. It’s a treasure and is one of the few major media outlets that still covers the arts in-depth. When an artist is featured on the CBC, it is a big deal.
When an artist is featured on the CBC, not once, not twice, but 3x in a just a few months – that’s pretty remarkable. And that’s what happened to London musician Adam Sturgeon, lead singer of the London band Status/Non-Status.
Adam Sturgeon on Unreserved
Episode Description: “Boozhoo” means hello in Anishinaabemowin. For Adam Sturgeon, that simple greeting, written in a card he received from his Auntie when he was 10 years old, kickstarted a lifelong quest to reclaim his Anishinaabe identity. Adam speaks with Rosanna about his journey of reconnection and finding belonging and how it’s driven him to learn more about his family history.
In March, Sturgeon spoke to Rosanna Deerchild on Unreserved in an in-depth 41-minute interview. Listen to the interview here.
Q with Tom Power
Episode Description: When Adam Sturgeon was walking around his neighbourhood in London, Ont., he kept seeing all these construction signs saying “big changes are coming,” which got him wondering if those changes would be good ones. So he wrote some new music to process his feelings about it. You can hear those songs on his band Status/Non-Status’s latest album called Big Changes.
Sturgeon sat down with Tom Power in the Q studio for a 23 minute interview, to talk about Status/Non Status’ new record, and how he went from a life in professional hockey to being an artist and community worker who uses music to heal.
You can listen to the interview an Apple podcasts here and on the CBC website here.
CBC Music Listen Up!
Then finally last month Sturgeon was featured in a fun little YouTube short on CBC Music’s Listen Up! on what he’s been enjoying lately. X-Files anyone?
All of this publicity is to support Status/Non-Status’ new album “Big Changes”, the band’s first new album in three years, and one of Exclaim! Magazine’s most anticipated records of the year.
“Status/Non-Status have mastered a style that is both fragile and anthemic — a rare and difficult concoction that they gracefully develop and present with serene bombast.”
- Exclaim! Magazine
Check out the band’s website here.
Spotlight events for June 12 – June 14
Bealart End of Year Show
June 13 – 15 | H.B. Beal Secondary School, 525 Dundas St. | FREE to attend!
Every year, Bealart quietly puts on one of the best art shows in London. Not one of the best student art shows, one of the best art shows, period.
For more than 40 years, students and staff from H.B. Beal’s renowned visual arts program transform multiple classrooms and studios into a vibrant gallery featuring student work in everything from painting and sculpture to ceramics, textiles, printmaking, digital media, animation and more.
The quality of work in the year-end show is consistently remarkable, the range of media staggering, and there’s something exciting about discovering and supporting emerging artists. It’s also a chance to support young creatives directly, as many of the works are available for purchase (at really reasonable prices), with proceeds benefiting both the artists and the Bealart program. Get there early as a lot of work sells quickly!
Beal Dance Works
For an added bonus, for the first time, Beal Dance will be part of the Show! On Saturday, June 13, Beal Dance will present nine original works in the Beal Auditorium from 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM with a repeated performance from 5:00 - 5:45 PM.
If you’re looking for proof that London’s creative future is in good hands, head to the Bealart Year End Show.
Bealart Dates and Times
Saturday, June 13th from 12-5PM
Sunday, June 14th from 12-5PM
Monday, June 15th from 9AM-6PM
Soft Fest 2026
June 12 – 13 | XUUX Artists Studios & Blackfriars Gardens | FREE to attend!
This year marks the fourth annual Soft Fest, created by London artist and entrepreneur Alayna Hryclik, the owner and creative force behind Soft Flirt. Known for her distinctive hand screen-printed apparel, prints, stickers, and murals around town - Hryclik has built a loyal following through local markets and retailers like the Spruce Moose at the Western Fair Market.
You might know her work through some of her amazing t-shirts seen around town. I personally have this one below, and it always makes people smile.
Soft Fest is a celebration of all things cozy, creative, and delightfully low-key. This 3-day gathering of events, is perfect for people who prefer handmade goods, art, books, vintage finds, plants, crafts, and meaningful conversations over sensory overload.
It’s a thoughtfully curated space where slowing down is the whole point.
Sunday – The Tender Market
If your idea of a perfect afternoon is browsing unique local vendors, discovering artists and makers, sipping something tasty, and soaking up good vibes while listening to amazing music, Soft Fest’s Tender Market on Sunday just might be your happy place.
It takes place in a BEAUTIFUL setting full of lovely outdoor gardens in the Blackfriars area of town – just down the street from Labatt Park and by the Thames River, it offers one of the most charming settings you’ll find for a summer market.
Check out this short little video preview of the fest that shows off Blackfriars Gardens - magical!
The whole festival is warm and welcoming. In a world that seems to get louder by the day, Soft Fest offers something increasingly rare - permission to take it easy.
Soft Fest Schedule of Events – All FREE to attend
Soft Fest Day 1 – Friday, June 12, 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM
“softer cities” Art Show & Sale Opening
XUUX Artists Studios, 455 Horton St E
This will feature the work of over 50 local artists and will have special guest Lua Sol performing at 9:30 PM.
Soft Fest Day 2 – Saturday, June 12, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
“Meet Cute” & Art Show and Sale
XUUX Artists Studios, 455 Horton St E
Meet Cute is an event intended to help foster connections. Come alone or with a friend and enjoy a day with soft activities to help you get to know your community.
Temple of Vesper starting the day with a sound bath from 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM & Join Hello Maker for a make & take candle activity.
Soft Fest Day 3 – Sunday, June 13, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tender Market tender market featuring 30+ local vendors and maker
Blackfriars Gardens, 81 Wilson Ave
Special musical guests are Good Wife, Amanda Movie, Emmanuel, OH,BERLIN & Seth Meeker. Sets will start at noon.
Rebel Kombucha will supply food and drinks for sale.
Accessibility at Blackfriars Gardens: Garden terrain access - pathed path entrance then grass and garden paths throughout. A wheelchair accessible bathroom will be rented for the day.
For more info, see: https://www.londontourism.ca/events/soft-fest
Thanks for following us at London Ontario Online News. If you have suggestions for who or what to feature, let us know!
The Forest City Arts and Culture Roundup is back every Thursday, and here’s our lineup of all five features.
See you next week!
The London Ontario Online News lineup
New content every day
We’re teaming up to send you a new feature every weekday:
Monday - Buckle Up - podcast with Matt Brown
Former mayor Matt Brown and a special co-host will set up your week every Monday.
Tuesday - Tour with Cedric Richards
Join City Editor Cedric Richards on a tour of London’s 14 wards by bicycle, beginning with Ward 1. Supported by Mike Donachie.
Wednesday - City Hall Notes - news and more - by Mike Donachie
Your Executive Briefing For Informed Citizens, looking at the issues, decisions and discussions shaping local government.
Thursday - the Forest City Arts and Culture Roundup - by Diana Tamblyn
Our Culture Editor shares news, perspectives and stories from London’s creative community.
Friday - Reflecting - with Steve Cordes
Opinions Editor Steve, retired non-profit leader and video blogger, offers views - his and others - on the week we’ve had.
And free on Fridays: the ROUNDUP, briefing you on the stories you need to know, gathered in one place. Regular analysis of the issues affecting London and the region.
Thank you and yes I'm going to feature Honey Dip next week, but good point to let people know here that Status/Non-Status is playing at Honey Dip, Saturday, June 20. Get your tickets here!
https://www.honeydipbar.com/calendar/honey-dips-first-anniversary
Fantastic write-up of the amazing scene in London! Hope everyone grabbed their status/non-status tickets for honey dip's anniversary!