New art pieces selected for Burlington public spaces

Four new art installations have found a home in Burlington.

The works, of various styles and using different media, were created by local artists and selected to fill public spaces as well as to celebrate Burlington’s diversity.

A total of $29,000 was offered to the artists to assist in the creation and installation of the works.

“We are excited to support these diverse artists and groups with a wide variety of projects,” said Angela Paparizo, Burlington’s Manager of Arts and Culture. “Our local art community came forward with wonderful proposals that we are thrilled to help bring to reality. The City of Burlington is excited to install these four unique pieces across the city for the community to celebrate our local talent and enjoy their artworks.”

Here are the biographies of the artists, their art and where it is located, and what they have to say about their creations:

Poonam Sharma, Spring (Mural) Central Recreation Centre

Videos

Read More

Read More

LEARN MORE

LEARN MORE

LEARN MORE

LEARN MORE

Artist Biography
Poonam Sharma is a Burlington resident, immigrant, woman of colour and mother. She is a community animator who brings people together to engage in the creative process. She has painted more than 25 murals across the GTA and believes in working closely with community members. “A painting belongs to the artist however a mural belongs to the community.”

Artist Statement
“This mural seeks to create an uplifting design which brings positivity and engages people from a variety of backgrounds, professions and histories. The folk-art elements reinforce the idea that we are all interconnected and that the strong spirit of people is integral to the health, happiness and success of our communities.”

Noah Cecol, Cliffs to Gardens (Photography), Waterfront Parking Garage

Artist Biography
Noah Cecol is a queer imaging artist, educator and equestrian from Burlington. Cecol’s work features an appreciation for emotional lighting, powerful colour palettes and a lifelong love for animals and the outdoors. As he continues to explore his own artistic practice, Cecol’s interests lie towards transformative relationships in his own life and a deep appreciation for the natural artwork produced by our Earth.

Artist Statement
“Cliffs to Gardens is a body of work showcasing the natural abundance of biodiversity within Burlington. It features five key locations: Mount Nemo, Cherry Hill Gate, Kerncliff Park, Lasalle Park and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Each piece represents one location and is made of digitally collaged photography from that geological area. The collaging expresses the rich and detailed local ecosystems and aims to draw continued attention and support to these crucial green spaces.”

Hope Flynn, Birds of the World (Painting), Tansley Woods Recreation Centre

Artist Biography
Hope Flynn is an emerging autistic visual artist. Flynn graduated from OCAD (Ontario College of Art and Design) University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree specializing in drawing and painting. Since graduating, Flynn’s artwork has focused on the realism of animal paintings. She has received grant funding from Ontario Art Council and has sold over 400 custom animal paintings worldwide.

Artist Statement
Birds of the World represents that one out of every 66 births in Canada will be born within the autism spectrum. These birds reflect on my personal life as I was diagnosed with autism. I could not speak until I was 4-years-old and the only way I could communicate was through PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). People with autism use the PECS symbols in speech therapy to describe words.

Teresa Seaton and John Highley, Making Roots (Mosaic glass), Maple Park Community Garden

Artist Biography
John Highley and Teresa Seaton are two local accomplished glass artists who have worked together on group collaborations, gallery shows and exhibitions since 2010. They have achieved national success with an exhibition at the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery. Highley specializes in detailed and intricate mosaic glass designs while Seaton’s uniquely sculptural copper foiled glass is an artistic trademark. Together they have embarked on a more conceptual large-scale direction of work that utilizes both their strengths.

Artist Statement
“Making Roots of your own takes time, patience, perseverance and determination. One’s personal journey through life, finding their own blend of themselves in their chosen community is symbolized in this artwork. The five different colours of glass radiating from a blended core root represent the mosaic fabric of life in our community. As you view the various roots in this artwork, you are invited to contemplate the communities you belong to and celebrate your own integration and diversity.”