CK Can Jam: ‘Proof of concept’ prompts plans for bigger, better event next year

If you liked the art work created by artists participating in the first CK Can Jam, organizers say there is more to come.

Article content

“It’s exceeded our expectations,” Can Jam organizer Sarah Steele said of the community response to artists specializing in public art using primarily spray paint descending on downtown Chatham to create magnificent murals on the walls of nine buildings.

Steele said the incredible support by the community has already made her decide to bring the event back next year.

“I think that has been our proof of concept,” she said. “Next year we’re going to do even more and do even better and do even bigger.”

Steele doesn’t believe many people understood the “breadth of the talent” among the artists that came to Chatham for Can Jam, which included artists from across Ontario, the United States and an artist from Australia.

Article content

She believed it was simply because many people were not exposed to big names in the public art industry so they were not familiar with what was possible. She added it was not just the talent and quality of the work that was impressive, but also the speed in which the murals were created.

Steele was also impressed with the amount of people stopping by to see the art works being created.

“I’ve been here for 10 years and I feel like I’ve not seen walking traffic down here like this in ages,” she said.

Mayor Darrin Canniff, who is a big promoter of public art projects in the community, said, “This is a game-changer for downtown Chatham.

“People are coming out and loving this and realizing the power of public art work,” he added.

Canniff said many people told him the art works were “absolutely amazing.”

Article content

He credits Steele for initiating the project, which is the kind of public-private partnerships that can benefit the community.

“Certainly, we wrapped our arms around her and said, ‘This is fantastic.’”

Noting many businesses have expressed interest in having a mural, Canniff said, “I envision in the next few years we’re going to have murals everywhere through all the communities in Chatham-Kent.”

The first Can Jam wasn’t without a few hiccups.

Oshawa artist Meaghan Claire Kehoe, who was originally supposed to create a mural on a much smaller wall, stepped up at the request of Steele to tackle the largest mural created on the side of the Chatham Capitol Theatre.

“I ended up taking reigns and designing this really quickly last week,” said Kehoe, who worked in collaboration with Steele on the mural titled Golden Hour.

Article content

Kehoe said she specifically made the design with different sections so if their styles were a bit different they would still complement each other. She added there are two different textures of the wall, so “I wanted to make sure it was broken up by a different subject matter.”

Steele joked after Kehoe agreed to take on the much larger project “then the chaos ensued and she’s been incredibly gracious to just pivot and was pleasant and we’ve had a great time.”

Kehoe admits being nervous about collaborating with Steele on such a large mural that came together quickly.

“But, it’s been great,” she said, adding Steele was “very supportive.”

Kehoe said she doesn’t do these types of community projects often, but plans to return for next year’s event.

“It’s a volunteering of time,” she said.

“I need to actually pay my bills,” Kehoe laughed.

Steele said next year the artists are not coming for free.

Kehoe added, “Being compensated would be great.”

Steele said after receiving feedback from the mayor, members of council and local businesses, she plans to begin in the next month or two working on organizing Can Jam for next year.

Article content