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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
2 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