Galleries remain closed, but art lives on in public spaces to the benefit of artists and the community.
“I think everybody who curates spaces for art in our communities, what they want to do is they want to fill our communities of Fergus and Elora with the beauty of art and consciousness of what art can bring to the pleasure in our lives,” said Beverley Cairns, chair of art in public places committee of the Elora Fergus Arts Council.
Cairns, a founding member of the volunteer council back in 1985, said its role is to provide exhibition spaces for artists to get their work to the public.
“Artists can paint or sculpt, etcetera, but they need people, they need an audience, somebody to receive the art,” Cairns said.
This has become more difficult during the pandemic, as three out of four usual spots — the township council chamber, Groves Hospital lobby and two boardrooms at the CW Sportsplex — aren’t being used right now.
The remaining spot, in the window of Greg Oakes’ law office on Geddes Street in Elora, has been successful for those who showcase their work in it.
“We’ve been very successful with the window display at Greg Oakes,” Cairns said. “People who show their work there quite often sell pieces from there. I know for the last four exhibitors have all had sales from that. Many thanks to Greg Oakes who let us use that window.”
The display rotates on a monthly basis, the latest being whimsical birdhouses by Graeme Chalmers.
David Cross, interim chair of the Elora Sculpture Project committee, said it’s important to note outdoor exhibits have remained one of the only consistent outlets for artists.
“Our exhibition has been one of few art exhibitions that have gone forward (recently), because we’re completely outdoors,” Cross said, referring to both the set-up and the viewing. “A lot of these artists have had other shows and galleries and places like that cancelled.”
The sculpture project runs from May through October with installations throughout Elora and Fergus, mainly downtown. The project originally began as a way to attract visitors which in turn increased spending in business areas.
Most of the pieces are for sale but Cross said the committee doesn’t get involved in that and takes no commission from the sales to increase the benefit to the artist.
“I think the real benefits for both visitors and residents are the sculptures present an opportunity for engagement with people,” Cross said. “Some of the sculptures are kind of tucked away in gardens or streetscapes and you’re kind of just walking along and you suddenly discover something and it gets your attention.”
The Elora Centre for the Arts has taken engagement a step further with a new mural on the outside of their building called Elora Love.
Lianne Carter, Elora Centre for the Arts executive director, said relieving fears about COVID spreading is an obvious benefit to outdoor art but also allows for a pressure-free environment to enjoy art on your schedule.
She also said public art usually has a message, with their newest mural having a theme of connectedness to the neighbourhood, Earth and spirit.
Beside the mural is a chalkboard that asks people to share what they love about where they live.
It is pictured and wiped clean each week, becoming a “living, breathing public art installation.”
“Every time you walk by, there’s a different note from your neighbour saying what you can love about where we live and what’s around us and what’s beautiful about where we are right now,” Carter said.
“There’s always something to feel thankful for and sometimes people just need that little reminder.”
Cross said he thinks community conversation about art can maintain the interest in it alive in town.
“Having public art throughout a community it, in a way, changes the sort of attitude of the community,” Cross said. “It keeps art at the forefront and inspires further creativity within the community.”
Cairns said she sees the real benefit to public art is keeping an artist motivated to continue their work.
“Just to have the beauty of art there but also to be aware of the creative spirit,” Cairns said. “Art is an outlet for nourishing that creative spirit.”
