Who to Contact

Carol-Ann Ryan
Public Art Coordinator
Carol-Ann.Ryan@barrie.ca

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Brightening Barriers

Residents and visitors are encouraged to safely explore downtown Barrie’s new streetscape and support local businesses, while appreciating the original works of art created by local and regional artists.

Brightening Barriers is a temporary public art project that brings original works by local and regional artists to seven patios throughout the downtown. Patio fencing serves as a canvas, offering an opportunity to turn our “barrier" of imposed separation into a collective artistic experience. This project supports visual artists during this pandemic by highlighting regional artists and original works of art.

This project was organized by the Barrie Public Art Committee. Special thanks to the Barrie Community Foundation for their support.

Artworks

The exhibition will remain on display until November 30, 2021.

Location	Description
Homestead Bakery 80 Dunlop Street East	Georgian College representative Sadko Hadzihasanovic, has re-created his “Arcadia Redux" paintings on weather-proof canvas. Arcadia is a mythological paradise where nature and all its beings live in harmony. After experiencing the pandemic, we are aware of our need to be one with nature, as we are an integral part of it. These paintings depict people on the water, relaxing and re-energizing as observed in many months of lockdown. Consumer culture was put on hold and people turned to essentials, like making bread and taking long walks with their families. Arcadia Redux represents our return to wellness.
Bayside Variety 150 Dunlop Street East	Derek Martin has installed Long and Winding Road, a series of plywood-painted emojis responding to the 15 months of COVID-19. An emotional journey of ups, downs and curves has led us to recovery and one another’s doors.
One Forty Seven 147 Dunlop Street East	PRNT collective, a local group of artists focused on producing fine art prints, hand-carved the artwork Plates in birch. This installation is an assemblage of hand carved wooden printing plates, created by the members of Barrie's PRNT Collective. Traditionally, a relief print is created by pressing paper against an inked, carved panel, however, for this patio project the actual printing blocks are presented as the final artwork. The inspiration for these panels came from classical Roman art and architecture and is meant to accompany the culinary artistry that is served up on dinner "plates".
The North 49 Mary Street	Amy Bagshaw, has created Line Up, an outdoor fibre-based sculpture on the South-facing patio fence. Inspired by the heritage architecture of The North Restaurant and Barrie’s harbour, this fibre sculpture uses bright nylon boating/fishing twine and sailing knots to draw attention to the peaks of the roofline though geometric forms.
North Country 10 Dunlop Street East	The Birdbath Collaboration (Bewabon Shilling and Tanya Cunnington), have painted The Land Between Rama and Barrie I and The Land Between Rama and Barrie II on two large diptych murals. Bewabon Shilling and Tanya Cunnington formed the Birdbath Collaboration in 2010. Both artists in their own right, the collaboration was a way for each to explore different avenues of creativity. These paintings were inspired by a drive between their studio in Rama and Barrie in early June 2021.
Kenzington Burger Bar 40 Dunlop Street East	Christina Luck, presents It’s A Dog’s Life, a series of dog portraits. Who can resist a dog who wants to play? Toss the ball! Throw the stick! Sniff the breeze, run, jump, roll! These are dogs of friends and neighbours with a passion for life in the fast lane, and naps. Panel #1: Andy & Smoothie Panel #2: Brandon the Dog Panel #3: Sasha & Ernie
Groovy Tuesdays 73 Collier Street	Senior regional artist Rod Prouse painted How it Rolls at the Pond in his signature style on panels.