Some of the artists joined representatives of the BIA, Station Arts Centre, and town council for the unveiling of the Canada Connects Nature’s Bounty Mural Mosaic last Tuesday. The mural consists of more than 2,000 tiles painted by artists from across the country. (Jeff Heldson Photo)
While Tillsonburg’s new mural may look like one single piece, it’s actually made up of about 2,000 smaller artworks combined into one.
Around 30 people came together on Oct. 21 for the unveiling of The Canada Connects Nature’s Bounty Mural Mosaic.
The concept for the mural originated with Tillsonburg local Sandi Pake. Her boyfriend bought five tiles for her to paint for another project, which kicked off plans for the Tillsonburg mural. After reaching out to Vanessa Fortner, who coordinates events and marketing at Tillsonburg Downtown BIA, everything started to come together. The mural features two dragonflies painted by Pake.
Fortner brought Tabitha Verbuyst, executive director of the Station Arts Centre, on board to help promote it. She worked hard to sell 100 local tiles at $10 each. Some participating artists were established professionals, while others were just starting out or even kids.
“When it all comes together, it brings a sense of community,” she said.
Lewis Lavoie from Edmonton is behind The Canada Connects Nature’s Bounty Mural Mosaic. He puts all these tiles together into a cohesive image. Out of those tiles, 100 were set aside specifically for local artists. This mural is one among 50 similar pieces around Canada, each featuring a large tree.
“The reason we picked a tree is what you don’t see, which is the roots,” Lavoie explained. He noted that there’s a rhizome system in tree roots that connects different trees to one another. “We use this metaphor in art to show this. It’s connecting everyone together.”
The unveiling drew artists from both near and far.
“We wanted to be part of something that would last forever,” said artist Brenda Knox from Simcoe.
“Local professional artist Stella Jurgen painted a blue jay.
“I want to be part of community projects and art is important to Tillsonburg,” she stated. “This is a good way of bringing everyone together.”<p class="-Q4a O hw1z8 Dca Pr o-z p-ffzcztwvy9u6tyqik3eviu “123434567” >
Patti Peltsch made her way from Port Elgin for this event where she created an artwork depicting clothes on a line as part of the mural alongside her daughter and friend Trish Peets from Port Dover.
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One unique aspect about this mural is that no one – except Lavoie – had any idea how it would turn out until its reveal. Even Fortner was excitedly waiting as they unveiled it. < br > The excitement was palpable as I couldn’t wait any longer! I’m thrilled that we now have such an impressive display of art in our core area!
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One unique aspect about this mural is that no one – except Lavoie – had any idea how it would turn out until its reveal. Even Fortner was excitedly waiting as they unveiled it. < br > The excitement was palpable as I couldn’t wait any longer! I’m thrilled that we now have such an impressive display of art in our core area!
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