(Barrie, ON) For the fifth year, the City of Barrie’s Brightening Barriers public art exhibition is back, bringing new works by local and regional artists to patios in Barrie’s downtown. The artworks were installed today and will be on display until September 26, 2025.
Brightening Barriers is a temporary public art project that brings original works by local and regional artists to patios throughout downtown. With patio fencing serving as a canvas, Brightening Barriers offers an opportunity to turn “barriers" into a collective artistic experience.
The exhibition brings a free and accessible cultural event to the community and animates the downtown corridor with points of interest. Residents and visitors are invited to explore downtown Barrie and support local businesses while appreciating the variety of artwork on display.
New for 2025, the City of Barrie offered a mentorship program to selected artists who were new to public art. Three local artists with previous Brightening Barriers experience were tasked with offering support and advice during the fabrication process.
Brightening Barriers 2025 features six art installations from new and emerging artists located in Barrie and beyond. The participating downtown patios and featured artists this year are:
- Christeen Awad at Michael & Marion’s
- BRIGHT 2, MacLaren Youth Project with Kaitlyn Hewett, Willow Peart, Alliyah Segura & Maya Segura and artist mentor Neda Mazhab Jafari at Bohemia
- Bianca Demelo at Dunlop Street Diner
- Alex Kostecka-Silva at Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery
- January Paige at McReilly’s Public House
- Jessica Wisniewski at Homestead Artisan Bakery
A self-guided walking tour and a family scavenger hunt will be available at the Barrie Public Library, Downtown Barrie BIA, Sandbox Centre, MacLaren Art Centre, City Hall, and the restaurants participating in the exhibition.
Brightening Barriers, organized by the Barrie Public Art Committee, supports visual artists by highlighting regional artists and original works of art.
For more information on public art in Barrie, visit barrie.ca/PublicArt.
