Chatham-Kent the canvas for several public art projects

Chatham-Kent is on its way to become filled with public art as a result of several initiatives with the municipality and local partners.

A “Paint the Town” pilot project is underway with Entegrus and Impact Graphics that is giving local artists the opportunity to showcase their talents by submitting designs that will be made into wraps for traffic signal and electrical boxes throughout the community, organizers said in a media release.

These boxes are often overlooked and can be an eyesore, but with the “Paint the Town” program they will become vibrant works of art that showcase the community’s creativity and identity, organizers said.

“Entegrus is proud to support the municipality and local artists on the ‘Paint the Town’ initiative,” said Jim Hogan, president and chief executive of Entegrus. “We are happy to assist in showcasing the artists in our community.”

Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Ltd. is also working with the municipality to develop a unique public art installation outside the Coke Canada Bottling Make Ready Center on Park Avenue East in Chatham.

The project will be designed by local Coke Canada Bottling employees with input from local artists.

“As Chatham’s local bottler, we take our role in the Chatham-Kent community seriously and are committed to making a difference in the local communities where we operate,” senior manager Bill Pickering said. “This installation is designed to deliver optimism to those who live, work, and visit Chatham-Kent, and showcases our commitment to the community for the long term.”

The University of Guelph, Ridgetown campus has also announced a partnership project with Chatham-Kent in the creation of public art that will be displayed on the Ridgetown campus.

The project is an opportunity to engage students in diploma, certificate, apprenticeship, and post-graduate studies, the school said. The selected projects will reflect the inclusive and one-of-a-kind experience of being a student at Ridgetown campus.

The exciting initiative provides students the opportunity to “leave a legacy and shape the campus for students today and into the future,” said Ridgetown campus director Brett Shepherd in the release.

“As we celebrate our 100^th anniversary, expressing our plant, animal, environmental and sustainability achievements through public art is a perfect way to build awareness of our campus and fulfill our promise to improve the world growing around us,” he said.

All these projects are receiving funding through the Hydro One Community Benefit program that supports recreational and art projects

“Public art plays a crucial role in building vibrant, welcoming communities. It has the power to inspire, educate, and bring people together, creating a sense of identity and pride in our community,” Mayor Darrin Canniff said. “By investing in public art, we are investing in our community’s cultural legacy and providing opportunities for local artists to showcase their talents.

“I believe public art is not just a luxury but a necessity in creating a thriving, dynamic community,” he said.