People in the Parkdale neighbourhood painted their personal stories, leaving a legacy that has embellished and enriched Toronto's present and future and revealed the colourful, vibrant diversity of their community.
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Dufferin Grove Park (2002)
Kristen teamed up with ceramist Jeff Chown to refurbish and rebuild two park benches with the community and paint 60 ceramic tiles for the childrenfs play structure. People of all ages and backgrounds made their permanent mark on the colourful, hand-painted benches. The bench became the symbol for the stories shared as we sit together for a moment.
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| Finished Bench |
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| Bench Detail |
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| Painting in the Park |
Participants (300 local residents): Park users, Parkdale Collegiate Grade 9 ESL classes, Fern Ave. Public School Gr. 7, Dufferin Mall Youth Services, Covenant House, Dovercourt Boys & Girls Club, York University teacher candidates
Professionals: Kristen Fahrig (artist/project co-ordinator), Jeff Chown (ceramist), Joanne Deane (artist)
Supported by: Ontario Arts Council. Dufferin Mall, Friends of Dufferin Grove Park, Toronto Parks & Recreation
Best Practices Award: Equity & Diversity, Community Arts Ontario (2002)
Masaryk Cowen Park (2004)
It was decided to create a community art installation surrounding a wild flower garden that was being installed by Future Watch.
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| Garden Plaques |
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| Plaques |
Participants (175 local residents): Masaryk Cowen Community Centre drop-in painting sessions, Sistering, More Than Childfs Play, Saturday morning ballet and karate classes
Professionals: Kristen Fahrig (artist/project co-ordinator), James Ansara (carpentry), George Stonehouse (project assistant), Fidel la Torre (youth assistant)
Supported by: Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Parks & Recreation, Dufferin Mall, in collaboration with Future Watch
Sorauren Park (2004)
The creation of an archway installed in the south west corner of the park, symbolic of the community hopes for renewal of this park.
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| Ribbon Cutting Celebration |
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| Archway |
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Painting In School |
Participants (300 local residents): Fern Ave., Garden Ave. & Parkdale Public Schools, P.A.R.C. adult mental health drop-in centre, Bishop Marracco Catholic Secondary School, Sorauren Park Sports Cttee., Dufferin Mall Youth Services
Professionals: Kristen Fahrig (artist/project co-ordinator), George Stonehouse (project assistant), James Ansars (carpentry), Maurilio Silva (metal work), Fidel Torre (youth assistant)
Contributors: Toronto Arts Council, Toronto Parks & Recreation, Dufferin Mall, Friends of Dufferin Grove Park
City Councillor Sylvia Watson and Parks Supervisor James Caldwell spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
