New installations added to mural collection at Alder Recreation Centre

Six new pieces of locally created artwork have been installed along the walking track at Alder Recreation Centre. The installations complete a collection of 10 murals that help to brighten the space along the track while contributing to the Town of Orangeville’s growing public art collection.

Each piece stands eight feet tall and features artwork created by:

• Wendy Reid of Melancthon, who painted “Dufferin Funny Farm Chickens,” a piece that celebrates Orangeville’s rural roots and cultural connections. The artwork was inspired by a close encounter with a flock of chickens, but also represents an emerging interest in urban farming by residents. Ms. Reid uses layers, splatters, and bold colours to create energy while adding soft and hard edges to suggest movement. These techniques make the feathered friends look like they are jiving on the canvas. See more of Wendy Reid’s work online at arthavenbywendyreid.com.

• Christina Clare of Orangeville, who created “Monora Park Sky.” This digital re-design of a landscape painting depicts the fall colours around the lake at Monora Park in the nearby Town of Mono. Two canoeists enjoy the vibrant scenery at this popular recreational retreat. A second piece of Ms. Clare’s work entitled “Blues & Jazz” was also selected for installation. A tribute to the popular Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival, she created this mural by compiling a selection of portraits and photographs from past performances. Together, these two pieces demonstrate the range of Ms. Clare’s talent. Although she specializes in portraits, her work extends to various subjects and mediums, including oil, acrylic, mixed media, and clothing. Find more of Christina Clare’s work online at cjclareartworks.com.

• Beckie Morris of Orangeville, who created “World of Wonder,” a digital rendering of the Storyland installation at the Mill Street branch of the Orangeville Public Library. The interactive, permanent entrance sparks a sense of curiosity and wonder for visitors to the library. The mural is meant to evoke these same feelings with a new audience. Ms. Morris is an established scenic artist and production manager, well known locally for her work with Theatre Orangeville.

• Judi Island of Orangeville, who painted “Preparing for the Fall Fair.” This acrylic painting shows a young boy feeding his calf as he prepares to show at the local fall fair. The piece celebrates the tradition of Orangeville’s Fall Fair. Ms. Island has an Honours degree in Fine Art from McMaster University and has spent time teaching a variety of mediums in Toronto, New Zealand, and Australia. Influenced by the 3D form, her current artistic focus is on the changing qualities of light and colour with an impressionist influence. More of Judi Island’s work can be viewed at https://judi855.wixsite.com/jisland

• Emily De Almeida of Orangeville, who painted “7 Flames,” a tribute to the essential workers who have contributed to our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The piece includes many symbolic elements. Within it, seven candles represent the days of the week and the tireless schedule that many workers endured to serve the public; forget-me-not flowers symbolize the cherished memories of lives lost; and another 13 symbols surrounding the candles represent and honour various groups of essential workers. Ms. De Almeida is an emerging artist who has also worked on the front line through the pandemic. She created this piece in dedication to her co-workers, friends, family, and all fellow essential workers.

The installations at the walking track are intended to add vibrancy and interest to the facility while demonstrating the role that artwork can play in enriching everyday activities. “Art installations in popular spaces like the walking track create unique opportunities for residents to interact with our local artists and their work,” said Councillor Lisa Post, Chair of the Cultural Plan Task Force. “These murals demonstrate how our creative sector can enhance different experiences in our community.”  

The murals were selected by the Town’s Cultural Plan Task Force as part of the annual Call for Artists that was announced in March 2021. Local artists were invited to submit unique artwork for select locations throughout the town. Successful artists received a fee of $500 for their designs. Artists residing in Dufferin County were invited to apply.

An online listing of all murals can be found in the digital guide. You can learn more about each installation as well as other pieces of public art in Orangeville. Residents and visitors are invited to explore the tree sculptures, utility box art, and monuments that contribute to Orangeville’s public art collection.

The walking track at Alder Recreation Centre provides an all-season option for residents looking to stay active. The track is currently open by registration only. Users can sign up for a specific time online at https://www.orangeville.ca/en/recreation/walking-track.aspx. The track is free to use for all participants.