Creative signs of spring

Spring can never seem to arrive quickly enough for those who have grown weary of winter’s weather. While the calendar may have officially marked the arrival of this anticipated season, it can often take time before the budding blooms, green grass, and singing birds truly demonstrate that spring is here. While we anxiously await those signs, a visit to five of Orangeville’s public art displays may offer some comfort and inspire us to think of spring.

Roses Aren’t Always Red by Deb Menken
Intersection of Centennial Road and C Line

Full of flowers and foliage, this colourful piece is a digital manipulation of an original acrylic painting. The location fittingly pays tribute to the Dufferin Garden Centre, a business that contributed to the growth and beauty of many local gardens for over 45 years. The piece, pictured above, was created by local artist Deb Menken and is a vibrant example of her abstract artwork. Deb is an active member of Headwaters Arts and often leads workshops at Maggiolly Art. See more of Deb’s work at www.debmenken.com.

Frenzy by Sharon Wadsworth-Smith
Kay Cee Gardens

This bold, abstract piece features a dynamic Bee Balm blowing in the wind and is one of six utility box art displays in Kay Cee Gardens. Collectively, the pieces add a creative vibe to your walk through the park. Artist Sharon Wadsworth-Smith allows movement to play an important role in her creative process, bringing energy to her paintings. A former resident of Orangeville, she now lives in Nova Scotia. Find her work at www.wadsworthsmithart.com.

Digital illustration of a lush green forest clearing

Peaceful Clearing by Carol DiRamio
Broadway and Ada Street

This digital illustration was created by Carol DiRamio, an avid drawer and painter. It brings a sense of calm and peace to the bustling intersection Broadway and Ada Street The lush forest landscape depicts the artists’ favourite section of the Upper Credit Conservation Area, located just south of Orangeville. Spring is perfect time to explore the area and provides an opportunity to hike the first signed section of the Credit Valley Trail, a proposed 100-kilometre pathway that intends to follow the Credit River. Hint: The tree shown in the art installation is located on the Safari Grassland Trail in the conservation area’s main section.

Painting of a blue lake with golden reeds along the banks. There are trees in the background and the sky is blue.

Island Lake by Judi Island
Blind Line and College Avenue

More of our area's natural beauty is displayed on a utility box at Blind Line and College Avenue. This piece shows the view from the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail at Island Lake Conservation Area and combines themes of nature and local history. Artist Judi Island is a descendant of the Island family, early settlers to the area and owners of the farmland adjacent to the conservation area that now bears their name. The view looks towards the hills that was once farmed by the artist's ancestors. Head out for a hike and try to spot this location along the way.

Colourful illustration of butterflies and flowers

Summer Morning in the Neighbourhood by Kelly Blackstock
Riddell Road and Montgomery Boulevard

Sunny days filled with buzzing insects, blooming flowers, green grass, and blue skies are all much-anticipated signs of the season. Artist Kelly Blackstock captures all of these elements in her colourful piece. Located near Fendley Park, the utility box greets families as they visit this popular spot to enjoy its accessible playground, splash pad, and open field space. Kelly is a secondary school teacher at Centre Dufferin District High School in Shelburne and an active member of the local arts community.

These pieces are part of Orangeville’s utility box art display program, a collection that includes 30 installations and grows annually as part of the Town of Orangeville’s Call for Artists. The 2023 call is now open and will include up to four new locations. Local artists living in Dufferin County are invited to apply before the deadline of May 11, 2023. Find all of the details here.

0 Likes

Creative signs of spring

Comments

Login to Post a Comment