Brightening Barriers Exhibition

2026 Exhibition

• Eligibility

  The program will feature commissioned artworks by emerging or professional artists and artist teams from Ontario, and priority will be given to Simcoe County artists. Four commissions will be reserved for local/regional artists/artist teams, and two commissions will be available to successful proposals received from artists/artist teams based elsewhere in Ontario. Emerging and professional artists of all backgrounds, experiences, and approaches are encouraged to apply.

• Mentorship Program

  Building on the success of the mentorship program offered in 2025, the City will continue this mentorship program to support emerging artists. Up to three selected applicants whose proposals demonstrate strong artistic merit, but may require additional guidance with technical fabrication or project execution, will be supported by experienced, local artists. Mentors will provide support and guidance to help emerging artists successfully realize their projects while maintaining the integrity of their artistic vision.

• Virtual Information Session (RSVP) | February 24, 2026

  The City is hosting a virtual information session on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 6–7pm. This session will review the call for artists and will include a question-and-answer period for artists interested in applying. 

  Register to attend

  For those who cannot attend, the virtual information session will be recorded and uploaded to this webpage.

• Some Really Canadian Geese | Flying Monkeys

  • Artist: Alex Kostecka-Silva
  • Location: Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery, 107 Dunlop Street East
  • Materials: Plywood, acrylic latex paint and polyurethane

  A playful tribute to Canadian pride, Some Really Canadian Geese depicts six adult geese and three chicks strolling through downtown Barrie in classic lumberjack plaid. Inspired by the tariff war between Canada and the U.S., the piece encourages conscious consumerism, supporting local businesses and buying Canadian-made products. Built entirely with Canadian-sourced materials, the artwork reflects the message of Canadians buying Canadian.

• Garden of Memories | Dunlop Street Diner

  • Artist: Bianca Demelo
  • Location: Dunlop Street Diner, 20 Dunlop Street East
  • Materials: Acrylic on canvas, reproduced on acrylic panels

  These depictions of native Ontario flowers and insects are created to mimic pressed floral art. From left to right, the flowers progress throughout the warm season by the order in which they bloom. The themes of nature and preservation encourages the public to explore our unique local ecosystem and cherish the time we spend within it. You can find many of the species shown right here around our beautiful waterfront!

• Whispers of Green | Bohemia

  • Artists: BRIGHT 2, MacLaren Youth Project with Kaitlyn Hewett, Willow Peart, Alliyah Segura & Maya Segura and artist mentor Neda Mazhab Jafari
  • Location: Bohemia, 125 Dunlop Street East
  • Materials: Acrylic on plywood

  This youth-led mural celebrates nature, energy, and community spirit. Inspired by the greenery of Bohemia Café and the vibrant feeling of summer, the design blends individual sketches into a unified composition of flourishing plants and joyful colors. Installed on the patio fence, the mural invites the public to pause, smile, and feel the energy of Barrie’s youth.

• Interconnected | Michael & Marion’s

  • Artist: Christeen Awad
  • Location: Michael & Marion’s, 89 Bayfield Street
  • Materials: Acrylic on plywood

  This vibrant installation reflects on how growth can both widen and strengthen the edges that connect us. Though each jigsaw piece can stand apart, they fit together — symbolizing that, despite the gaps between us and our perceived differences, we are all part of one picture. Inspired by Barrie’s expanding diversity, Interconnected playfully explores unity, perspective, and shared space. Subtle patterns and shifting negative spaces invite curiosity, encouraging viewers to pause and rediscover the quiet beauty of connection.

• Heart of Barrie | McReilly’s

  • Artist: January Paige
  • Location: McReilly’s Public House, 82 Dunlop Street East
  • Materials: Plywood, wood stain, latex paint and polyurethane

  This artwork, the strawberries and the flowers they bloom beneath, is titled “Heart of Barrie.” In Anishinaabemowin (the language of the traditional owners of the land we inhabit), the word for “strawberry” is “Ode’imin” which directly translates to “Heart Berry.” With this work on display downtown, in the heart of what is now called Barrie, this play on words is an homage to the Urban Indigenous community that currently thrives within the city.

• Find Your Place | Homestead

  • Artist: Jessica Wisniewski
  • Location: Homestead Artisan Bakery, 80 Dunlop Street East
  • Materials: Wood and glass

  This glass mosaic brings the natural beauty of the Ontario landscape to the streets of downtown Barrie. Flowing skies, sparkling waters, windswept pines, and rocky shores reflect the imagery of Lake Simcoe and beyond. Each viewer will find a spot in this series that transports them to a favourite place in the Ontario wild. A bold colour palette enlivens the piece, complementing the energy of the vibrant city, while offering a moment of calm.