A Place for the Arts Bancroft is welcoming back cottagers this summer season by inviting them to join a special community art project.
The arts collective is leading the revitalization of Arne Rooseman’s historic mural at the west end of 23 Bridge Street, and they’re looking for artists of all ages and skill levels to help repaint it.
Eleven large mural panels will be brought indoors and repainted inside the Annex Gallery over the summer.
“We have spaces for 75 artists to create a small painting of what they love most about our beautiful area and wilderness. There are several ways to approach this, as an artist you can paint your most precious place or wildlife in nature… You can paint a dedication scene for a loved one, who has passed or is about to pass,” the collective said via a media release.
Communications coordinator Gayle Crosmaz, says that all visitors to the area are welcome to contribute to the mural.
“As long as what they’re painting is still depicting the area and celebrating the area, that’s all that really matters… I have a woman that might be visiting family here from Newfoundland. Her grandparents live here and I said, ‘well, sure’ (she could contribute). She could do pieces dedicated to her grandparents, who are in their 90s.”
Crosmaz added that it’s an all-ages invitation.
“We have kids from nine-years-old up to people in their 70s, maybe even 80. I didn’t ask for ID.”
APFTA notes that if you are not an artist, you could still commission your favourite artist to paint the scene on your behalf.
Half of the mural panels will be worked on in July, and the other half in August.
Artists can choose the month that works best for them.
Paint for the project has been donated by Bancroft BMR (formerly Timber-Mart) and Delux Paints.
The process will be captured by photographers and filmmakers for a documentary and printed booklet celebrating the community’s effort.
To learn more or to sign up, visit A Place For The Arts at 23 Bridge Street. They are open Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
