(Barrie, ON) For the sixth year, the City’s Brightening Barriers temporary public art exhibition is back, bringing original works of art to patios in Barrie’s downtown. With patio fencing serving as a canvas, Brightening Barriers offers an opportunity to turn “barriers" into a collective artistic experience. Most of the artworks were installed today (May 15, 2026) and will be on display until October 2, 2026.
Each work of art will be installed on a patio fence along Dunlop and Bayfield Streets, generously provided by a local business. Residents and visitors are invited to explore downtown Barrie and support local businesses while appreciating the variety of artwork displayed.
This year’s exhibition features six art installations from professional and emerging artists located in Barrie, Simcoe County, and beyond. Artists were invited to respond to the theme Rhythms of the City. This theme explores the patterns, movement, and energy that shape the city of Barrie. The participating downtown patios and featured artists/artworks currently on display are:
- Urban Pulse Garden by Deniz Kanbal, displayed at Bohemia
- Gaagigegesic by Josie Val, displayed at McReilly's Public House
- Scale by Liam Winslow, displayed at Dunlop Street Diner
- Rhythmic Groovery by Sheresha Mcintyre, displayed at Michael & Marion’s
Two additional pieces of artwork will be installed Tuesday, May 19, 2026:
- Patchwork Places by Ashlyn Mundy, displayed at Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery
- Scales of the City (BRIGHT 3 MacLaren Art Centre Youth Partnership) by Nellie Bishop, Kathleen Reeve, Hanna Burak, Riley Alliman, Marko McKay, Katharine Keeping and January Paige (Artist Mentor), displayed at Homestead Artisan Bakery + Café.
The Brightening Barriers program is organized by the City of Barrie and the Barrie Public Art Committee. The City thanks Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery for their ongoing sponsorship support. For more information on public art in Barrie, visit barrie.ca/PublicArt.
