'Mourning to Morning: One Woman's healing Journey' Art Display And Sale At The Mount Community Centre

Marylou Green, a local artist, is presenting ‘Mourning to Morning: One Woman’s Healing Journey,’ an art show and sale at The Mount Community Centre from June 10-12.

Photo courtesy of Marylou Green.

In this show, Green shares her personal journey of healing through the powerful use of expressive arts.

Her story touches on abuse, medications, self injury, shock treatments, suicide attempts, and demonstrates tangible action to recovery.

Green says her vision is a world where people no longer face barriers to good mental health.

“Everyone has a story,” she said. “It is not easy to share our deepest pains, shames, and overwhelming experiences. I highly recommend finding someone with whom you feel safe, comfortable, and a good listener. I have been blessed to have had one such therapist. By telling my personal story and my journey of healing, I may give hope to people suffering from illness and may encourage them to begin their own healing journey. I also want to encourage the mental health professionals to look beyond the "labels" and see their patients as human beings in need of compassion, and non-judgment.”

Proceeds will support the on-going development of The Mount Community Centre. Purchases may be made by cash or cheque only.

The sale will run June 10 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. June 11 from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. and June 12 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. 

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Applications Open For Bierk Art Fund Bursary Program 2022

The Electric City Culture Council is offering the Bierk Art Fund Bursary Program for Post-Secondary Studies in the Visual Arts.

The Bierk Art Foundation was established in 2006 in honour of Liz Bierk, an avid supporter and advocate for the arts. Photo courtesy of Electric City Culture Council.

This bursary is open to Peterborough high school students completing Grade 12 in 2022, who plan to undertake post-secondary studies at a provincially accredited institution in the visual arts during the 2022-23 academic year.

It is made possible with support from the Bierk Art Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough. This is the fourth time EC3 has provided this program of support for young artists.

The Bierk Art Fund Bursary Program will provide two bursaries of $1,000 each to graduating high school students in the City or County of Peterborough (including Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations) whose work demonstrates great promise and who have a serious commitment to pursuing further studies at the post-secondary level in the visual arts.

Students present their work (including, but not limited to portfolios) to a jury panel comprised of arts professionals. The two successful candidates will be announced immediately and celebrated at this year’s Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts at the Peterborough Arts Awards on Sept. 30.

Eligible applicants must complete a Bierk Art Fund Bursary Application Form and send it back to bierkartfundbursaries@gmail.com before the deadline, May 26 at 11:59 p.m.

Applicants will receive a confirmation email from EC3’s Program Coordinator Gabe Pollock, with a designated appointment time and Zoom link to meet with the jury panel for a Portfolio Review during the week of May 30 to June 5.

Appointments are 30 minutes. The jury will choose two winners after meeting with all of the applicants. All applicants will be assessed on the same criteria.

Winners will be announced on June 7.

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Renaissance On Hunter Art Project Returns And Is Calling For Artists

The City of Peterborough Public Art Program is inviting artists to submit proposals for two Renaissance on Hunter projects.

MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ AUTORINO AND CASSANDRA LEE work ON THEIR HUNTER STREET MURAL in 2021. Photo courtesy of PTBO DBIA.

Now in its second year, Renaissance on Hunter is comprised of two distinct but related public art projects that align with the temporary downtown built environment changes.

The temporary downtown changes will reduce Hunter Street between George Street and Aylmer Street to one-lane, one-way westbound traffic to expand pedestrian space and patio areas. A combination of portable planters and barricades will be installed in four areas along the streetscape to demark the pedestrian spaces and provide physical separation from the traffic lanes.

“The Renaissance on Hunter projects demonstrate how Public Art can support the health and wellbeing in our community and expand our ideas of what Public Art can be. We look forward to seeing the road murals and artist gardens that will be created by the the artists that are selected this year,” said Keith Riel, Chair of the City’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee.

The purpose of both public art projects is to transform the Hunter Street corridor into a welcoming and engaging pedestrian space during the warm weather season:

• The Artists’ Garden Project seeks proposals for themed garden designs and art interventions for the planters along the Hunter Street café district.

• The Road Mural Project seeks proposals for mural designs that will animate the temporary pedestrian areas.

The call for proposals for the Artists’ Garden and Road Mural Projects 2022, including more information about the project parameters and tips to assist with the application process are on the City’s Public Art webpage at peterborough.ca/publicart.

The deadline to submit proposals for both projects is May 26 at 4 p.m. All proposals must be submitted online. The expected completion of the projects is late June.

The Renaissance on Hunter public art projects are being administered and funded through the City of Peterborough’s Public Art Program and will be presented in partnership with the Downtown Business Improvement Area and GreenUP.

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Local Director Ready For The Premiere Of New Docuseries 'We're All Gonna Die (Even Jay Baruchel)’

Director Victoria Lean, who was born in Peterborough and spent much of her childhood in Apsley, is gearing up for the world premiere of ‘We’re All Gonne Die (Even Jay Baruchel)’, a docuseries about the end of the world, on Friday.

Photo by Jess Hayes.

Lean, who’s family has lived in Apsley for over a century, grew up in Ottawa but came back to Apsley nearly every summer and throughout the year - so often she considers it home.

Growing up, her parents ran a field station for the National Water Research Institute on Jack Lake, which she says may have played a role in her interest in environmentalism.

“I grew up around a lot of scientists that were studying really complicated and important things affecting the planet,” she said. “I wanted to be a documentary film-maker because I felt that there was a really critical gap in what the general public knows about these issues and what experts were studying.”

Her new docuseries, We’re All Gonne Die (Even Jay Baruchel), takes a look at potential ‘world-ending’ catastrophes, and what effect they may have on the world.

Hosted by Canadian actor, director, and author Jay Baruchel, this series presents six episodes, with six different scenarios like alien invasion, volcanic cataclysm, a climate apocalypse and nuclear disaster.

While not every episode has a ‘solution’ Lean says there is something to learn from each of them.

“In creating this series we were mulling with the idea that every time you go to therapy you imagine the worst case scenario and that sometimes helps ease any fears you have.”

She says the idea is if the worst case scenario is imagined, maybe humans can move into a space where they’re able to do something rather than be paralyzed by fear.

Lean jokes that whenever her dad talks about the state of the planet, he brings up their family farm and how that may save them.

“There’s a narrative in my family that if things get really tough we can always go back to the farm,” she said. “I love Apsley, and I see myself going back there regardless of an apocalypse, but I am grateful that my family has some land if the worst case scenario ever happened.”

We’re All Gonna Die (Even Jay Baruchel) premieres at Hot Docs on Friday, and will be released on Crave on Saturday.

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Applications Open For 2022 Artist Initiated Public Art Projects

The City of Peterborough’s Public Art Program invites artists or artist teams to submit their ideas to create art in public spaces.

A COMMUNITY MEMBER PAINTS “HELLO” ON PICNIC BY THE WATER as part of the 2021 Public Art Project. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ AUTORINO.

This call is open to both established and emerging artists, including those interested in expanding their practices into the public realm for the first time. Artists can propose artworks in any scale, scope, and medium in any part of the City.

The intention is to commission two projects, valued at $12,000 each. Projects are to be presented or installed within City limits between June and December 2022.

Special projects, such as Artist-initiated Projects, are a key area of focus of the Public Art Program that enable the program to keep up with emergent practices, respond to the needs of our community and integrate art into multiple sites within a short timeframe. These initiatives also provide opportunities for artists to experiment, and the freedom to create artworks outside the limits of a predetermined site, theme or medium.

This opportunity is open to professional artists of all disciplines. Applications are welcome from individual artists, artist teams, artist collectives, ad hoc groups, or arts and culture organizations, as well as partnerships and collaborations between arts and non-arts applicants. Artists and cultural practitioners from the Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations are encouraged to apply.

There is a two-stage Call for Proposals.

Stage 1 requires an initial artwork concept, preliminary site approvals, and expressions of interest from co-creators and other participants.

For the second stage of the selection process, shortlisted artists will be invited to an interview to discuss more in-depth their experience, vision, and approach as well as the financial viability of their plans.

The call for proposals for Artist-initiated Projects, including more information about the project parameters and tips to assist with the application process are on the City’s Public Art Program web page at peterborough.ca/publicart.

Submissions for Stage 1 are due May 12 at 4 p.m. All Proposals must be submitted online.

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‘Picture Something Different’ Art Display And Sale By Local Artist Nan Williamson

To celebrate her 80th birthday, local artist Nan Williamson will host an art show and sale at The Mount Community Centre on April 23.

‘Young Girl’ oil pastel on wc paper by Nan Williamson.

Williamson has completed studio courses at Fleming College, Haliburton School of Fine Arts, and Toronto School of Art and studied with abstract artists Lila Lewis Irving (Oakville), Britt Zeist (San Miguel, Mexico) and many private instructors. She has exhibited in many juried shows and multiple venues.

Her work is part of the collection of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre and in private homes in Ontario, British Columbia, Texas, Switzerland, and Mexico.

In honour of her birthday all proceeds from the sale will be donated to The Mount Community Centre.

More than 30 works will be on display April 23 from 1 - 8 p.m. and April 24 from 12- 4 p.m.. at The Mount Community Centre. Refreshments Saturday 2 - 4 p.m.

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Peterborough Symphony Orchestra Awarded Vida Peene Orchestra Award

The Peterborough Symphony Orchestra will be awarded the Vida Peene Orchestra Award by The Ontario Arts Council at their concert on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Symphony Orchestra.

The juried award is named after Vida Peene, a Hamilton-based arts patron and is given out every two years.

This year the PSO was selected, and will receive $5,000.

The Vida Peene Orchestra Award will be presented to The Peterborough Symphony Orchestra during their “As the Sun Rises” concert on Saturday.

The concert takes place at Showplace Performance Centre at 2:30 p.m. There will be a second performance of “As the Sun Rises” at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available online at tickets.showplace.org or at The Showplace Box Office.

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Local Artists And Peterborough Community Rally In Support Of The Painted Paddle Project

A final farewell exhibit of The Painted Paddle will be on display at this month’s First Friday event on April 1 from 6 - 10 p.m. inside the Jason Wilkins Factory to commemorate the ending of a month-long public art initiative and online auction.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA.

During the month of March, a series of 34 hand-painted paddles were displayed in store windows throughout the downtown as part of an interactive self-guided art tour and online auction.

The public art initiative created opportunity for Peterborough residents to celebrate the connection to the waterways in the Nogojiwanong/Peterborough while mobilizing local artists to create wonderful works of art for a very good cause.

With so many local artists attributed to the project the Painted Paddle was a true showcase of our visual art scene. Residents embraced the self-guided art installation- which garnering over 7,000 views online through the exhibit’s interactive paddle map.

34 local artists donated their time to the project.

"What I have come to understand, is that I truly come to life when I am creating, and I am an artist at the core of my being, striving to creatively maneuver this life,” said Kelly Albin of Blue Frog Legs Studio. “I believe art has the ability to bring people together and is an integral part of our community as it provides us with a means of authentic connection regardless of educational, socioeconomic, language or cultural barriers."

Community members raised over $6,000 while bidding on paddles.

All proceeds raised through the online Painted Paddle auction will support the Downtown Green Team, a DBIA partnership with the One City Employment Program. Proceeds will fund a downtown horticultural maintenance crew for people who are experiencing barriers to traditional employment.

Friday will be the last chance to view the entire Painted Paddle exhibition before the paddles are divided up to auction winners.

Paddles will be on display at 6 p.m. on Friday at Jason Wilkins Factory Action winners will be able to pick up their paddle art pieces at the Jason Wilkins Factory from 8 - 10 p.m.

“I am super excited that my studio, the Jason Wilkins Factory, will be displaying all 34 beautiful paddles created by local artists for the DBIA’s Paddle Project, to raise funds for One City Peterborough,” Jason Wilkins, local artist and owner of Jason Wilkins Factory. “It’ll be amazing to see all that beautiful work together in one spot and hung alongside other works by 15 Peterborough Arts Collective artists- for our monthly group show.”

For more information on the Painted Paddle project contact the DBIA Vibrancy Manager, Dawn Pond by email at dawn@ptbodbia.ca.

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Kawartha Potters Guild Presents Celebrate Ceramics Fundraiser

Kawartha Potters Guild will be hosting ‘Celebrate Ceramics’, a fundraiser to support their not-for-profit pottery guild and art community on April 8.

Potters from Kawartha Potters Guild donate bowls to YWCA Empty Bowls fundraiser each year. Photo courtesy of Kawartha Potters Guild.

Tickets are $75 and available at Kawartha Potters Guild at 993 Talwood Dr.

Attendees at the fundraiser will be entered into a draw. When their number is called they will be able to chose a piece of donated pottery to take home.

Guests can also enjoy live music, complimentary food and a glass of wine.

Those that purchase a $75 ticket can bring a friend for an extra $25, though they will not be eligible to bring home a piece of pottery.

Pottery that has been donated to the fundraiser is currently on display at the Kawartha Potters Guild. Pieces can be viewed Tues – Fri: 1-5 p.m. or by appointment with Donna O'Brien, administrator@kawarthapottersguild.com.

The event will be hosted April 8, 7-9 p.m. at the Lions Club, 347 Burnham St.

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Peterborough Artist Raises $8,450 For Ukraine With Auction

Local artist Nick Leniuk of Riverbend Studio raised $8,450 for the Canada Ukraine Foundation-Ukrainian Canadian Congress by auctioning a handmade, Ukraine inspired carving.

Nick Leniuk in his home studio with his piece ‘Rise Above’.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Leniuk, a first generation Canadian-Ukrainian, knew he wanted to do something to help.

As a sculptor, he decided on creating and auctioning a unique piece.

All the pieces Leniuk carves are drawn by hand, though because he wanted to get this one done quickly he searched the internet for a silhouette of a sunflower, Ukraine’s national flower.

He found a silhouette he liked and learned it was drawn by a Russian artist, who completely supported Leniuk’s intentions.

Leniuk facilitated the auction through his social media, with bids coming through direct messages, with the auction closing Monday at 4 p.m.

By Monday morning the bidding was at about $1,500, but soon a bidding war began.

“There were two bidders that were upping it by about $100 every half hour or so,” he said. “I was getting stressed out. I always feel bad because not everyone can win.”

With about three minutes left in the auction and two bidders competing, a third bidder offered $3,000, says Leniuk.

“I was floored,” said Leniuk. “I couldn’t update my sites quick enough.”

One bidder dropped out, while the second proposed an idea to Leniuk.

They suggested that Leniuk ask the winning bidder if he could make a second sunflower piece, which they would purchase for $3,000.

The winning bidder agreed, which means Leniuk has sold two pieces at $3,000.

“He was happy to go along with that proposal,” said Leniuk. “As long as he got the first piece, only two were ever made and that his was certified as the original.”

Both winning bidders requested that they remain anonymous.

The additional money was donated by friends, family and supporters on Leniuk.

“I had really modest expectations, but it snowballed into something that was bigger than I ever expected.”

Leniuk, who’s father Antony was born in Ukraine and came to Canada after World War Two, still has family in Europe.

His cousin, born in Ukraine and living in Paris, has a son that has returned to Ukraine to resist foreign invaders.

Leniuk notes that although this is a different war, and different times, his family has gone through this before.

His uncle, who he was named after, fought in the Ukrainian resistance during World War Two. He was discovered by police who were cooperating with Nazis, and never seen again.

His cousins son reached out to Leniuk, and thanked him for his contribution from Canada.

“It’s gratifying to be able to contribute on behalf of so many people,” he said. “It’s the people that make these this happen.”

Leniuk will officially make the donation this week, after payments are finalized, and post the receipt on social media.

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