Recalculating is a temporary public art installation celebrating the MacLaren Art Centre's 40th anniversary and the creativity of Barrie's youth. Presented by the MacLaren Art Centre and the City of Barrie, with support from the Barrie Public Art Committee, the exhibition runs from October 3, 2026, to May 30, 2027.
Rooted in the belief that children and youth have an important role in shaping their communities, Recalculating brings young people's ideas into public space, creating opportunities for curiosity, conversation, and community pride while highlighting their voices as contributors to Barrie's cultural landscape.
About the Installation
The installation features whimsical road sign designs created by children and youth from Maple Grove Public School, Cundles Heights Public School, Maple Ridge Secondary School, Bear Creek Secondary School, and Youth Haven. Inspired by their interests, experiences, and ideas for the future, participants reimagined familiar road signs as playful artworks that encourage viewers to see their community in new ways.
More than 80 children and youth participated in free art-making workshops led by the MacLaren Art Centre. A jury composed of representatives from the City of Barrie, the Barrie Public Art Committee, and the MacLaren Art Centre selected 10 artworks to be featured in this temporary public sculpture installation.
The selected artists are:
- Abigail Calderon
- Alexis van der Wal
- Aurora Knowles
- Avery Miles
- Briella Howey
- Coral Groot
- Halle Wilson
- Isabella Pagrion
- Kaitlyn Hewett
- Kris Morley
View all 80+ artworks created through Recalculating at maclarenart.com.