Something special may catch your eye through the Garry Oak trees as you pass by Wickheim Park on Metchosin Road by the Lagoon Market and Royal Bay Bakery.
A lovely painting by local artist Linda Simrose now graces the wall there. Titled "A Fondness for Trees" the art seems to invite you to continue your stroll through the Wickheim Park oaks and into the meadow depicted there.
The path to this art display
A wonderful collaborative process with local artists and professionals has enabled this public art piece; a journey that the City hopes to continue to refine in partnership with arts organizations to better enable public art in other areas. It is the type of partnership that has had beautiful results in the past, such as when the work of local artists was displayed as artful banners throughout the City.
This artwork is the result of a call for submissions through the Coast Collective Arts Society. Linda Simrose submitted artwork and an interesting process began.
First, Linda's original 20"x30" painting was digitally scanned by the experts at Island Blue Print to allow it to be reproduced at a large scale while maintaining crisp resolution.
Then the professionals at the SignPad reproduced the art onto aluminum panels. Over time new artwork can be applied to these same panels to feature the work of other local artists.
At the same time, painting pros from Vancouver Island Painters here in Colwood cleaned and painted the wall in preparation for the artwork. Then installers from the SignPad applied the art to the wall.
And of course, special thanks to the owners of the Lagoon Market building for allowing the City and these many partners to enhance the space for others to enjoy.
"We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with local arts groups and businesses to pique people’s interest, highlight special places, encourage conversation, and continue to strengthen the fabric of our community through the work of talented local artists," said Mayor Rob Martin.
The next canvas
As Colwood grows there will be more opportunities for beautiful, playful, thoughtful and even challenging public art. Art that sparks joy, promotes deeper understanding, exudes calmness or encourages action.
Colwood Council has adopted a policy that ensures a contribution from each new development helps to fund artistic elements that enhance our community and increase enjoyment while moving the City toward other goals, such as making Indigenous arts and culture more visible in Colwood.
Is there a space you know of in Colwood that begs for artistic enhancement? We invite you to share ideas and photos online by tagging #CreativeColwood in your posts on facebook, instagram and twitter. Or you can submit an idea through the City's online Action Request form at www.colwood.ca/ActionRequest.
Interested in getting more involved in the arts in Colwood? Reach out to groups like the Arts & Culture Colwood Society or the Juan de Fuca Performing Arts Centre Society.
Let's get creative, Colwood!
About artist Linda Simrose
Linda is fully immersed in her life of art, first as a graphic artist and draftsperson, then as a painter, designer, muralist and teacher. Working in oil, watercolour, multi-media and acrylic, she has exhibited and sold work to collectors all across Canada and internationally. Being part of community art groups has been an important part in Linda’s art development and experience. These art friendships allowed her to start and manage her own gallery for many years. Linda has travelled abroad extensively and appreciates the wonder and diversity of our natural world. Presently, she spends her time painting in her studio and roaming the island, capturing the local flora and fauna in her art.
Media Contact
Sandra Russell, Communications Manager
srussell@colwood.ca
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