Collaboration turns local art into fashion statement
February 5, 2021
A new grassroots community initiative is helping to showcase local art in a whole new way – and generate some much-needed revenue for artists at the same time.
The Cornwall Gallery in Motion project grew out of a desire to bring awareness and support to local artists who have been severely impacted by Covid-19.
“For these artists, their art is their prime means of income and they have been hit hard by Covid,” said Jane McLaren, the community leader and art enthusiast who is the driving force behind the project.
Through the project, five local artists – Tracy Davies, Pierre Giroux, Yafa Goawily, Louise Mignault and Laura Stevens – each created an original artwork celebrating different aspects of the community. The creations are being featured on t-shirts by Mike’s Printing & Apparel and being sold for $25 each, with all of the proceeds going back to the artists.
“Our hope is that people will buy the shirts, wear them proudly and create a living ‘gallery in motion’ of original art featuring the work of local artists,” McLaren added.
The shirts feature a variety of themes related to Cornwall ranging from landmarks like The Port Theatre to fishing, cycling, wildlife and placemaking.
Davies, for example, paid tribute to one of the lifelines of the community – the St. Lawrence River – with da zentangle-themed design of a walleye.
“Fishing is a big draw to the city and it’s also enjoyed by many in the community,” said Davies, the owner of Cailuan Gallery in Downtown Cornwall. “I’m thrilled to be taking part in this initiative. It’s a fun way to raise awareness of the arts and the important contribution they make to the quality of life of a community.”
Where to buy
The t-shirts are now available online through Mike’s Printing & Apparel (www.mikesprinting.ca) for $25 each. A limited number of long sleeve t-shirts are also available for $30 (please check with Mike’s Printing on sizes and available colours). Details on the designs, sizing and colours can all be found through the website.
The shirts
Yafa Goawily – Cornwall Love Local Art Louise Mignault – Geese Tracy Davies – Fishing Laura Stevens – Cycling Pierre Giroux – The Port Theatre
Showcasing the work
Come March, the original pieces of artwork behind the t-shirts will be on display at the new home of Mike’s Printing & Apparel in Downtown Cornwall on Pitt Street. The original artworks will, at that time, be available to purchase. Further details will be announced in the near future.
In the meantime, everyone who purchases a shirt between now and the opening of the store will be entered into a draw for a $50 gift certificate that can be used at Mike’s Printing.
The importance of art
Cornwall is home to a vibrant arts community, and that community has been hard hit by Covid-19, with venues, performances and live events mostly shuttered for the past year and no certainty on when things will return to normal. That was the driving force behind the initiative.
“It is the arts that carries the message of the heart of community to the people who call it home. Through this initiative, we hope to share our pride, our hearts, and our hope for the future of this community we call home,” McLaren said. “We hope that this is the first of a series of activities celebrating community through art.”
A true collaboration
McLaren said both Choose Cornwall and the Downtown Cornwall Business Improvement Area (BIA) have stepped up to support the project and Mike’s Printing has also offered to handle the graphics, printing and sales of the artwork.
Additional information
For additional information on the project, please visit www.MikesPrinting.ca or check it out on Facebook.
Play it safe!
We all have a part to play in combating the spread of COVID-19. Residents are encouraged to wear masks, practice frequent hand washing and physical distancing, and stay home if not feeling well. For the latest guidelines and restrictions related to COVID-19, please visit the Eastern Ontario Health Unit website.
#exploreCornwallON
Looking for other fun things to do in Cornwall? Check out the Explore section of our website for other fun-filled activities to keep you busy. Better yet, consider extending your stay with a night at one of our great accommodations!
Article by Kevin Lajoie
www.CornwallTourism.com
Photographs by Lee Ladouceur
www.LadouceurPhoto.com
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