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August 2008
Summer is in full swing. And while August conjures up bucolic visions of flowering gardens or idle hours down by the lake, the reality for those of us living and working in the city doesn't often match up. This month, Collection X features projects addressing our urban environment, and offering up green strategies and models for healthy communities.
Community Artist Facilitator Laura Reinsborough interviews a participant at the Green Grange festival.
Over the past five months, community members from the Grange neighbourhood have been decorating flower pots of all shapes and sizes in a variety of mediums. Working with community artist Catherine Campbell, participants were invited to explore ideas about their community and, using the theme of new beginnings, created artwork on the surface of their pots. Each flowerpot has been planted with a seed so that those thoughts and expressions might flourish and feed us.
Gardening in the city is an important creative act. Almost 80% of the GTA is prime agricultural land (which comprises 50% of Canada's Class 1 land). The components of the average North American meal travel 2,400 km, roughly the distance between Vancouver and Thunder Bay. Growing food in the city helps to reclaim local food production lost when urban sprawl encroaches upon agricultural land.
This community art project was a partnership between University Settlement and the Art Gallery of Ontario's ArtsAccess Project, and reached its culmination at the Green Grange Festival. To see this celebration of new beginnings for a green and
healthy community check out the exhibition.
Flower Power, L. A. Moore, 2008.
Working with Councilor Adam Vaughan, the Art Gallery of Ontario has formed a group to advise on a revitalization plan for Grange Park. Group members include local residents and representatives from OCAD, University Settlement, St. George the Martyr Church and City of Toronto Parks and Recreation.
The group's goal? To create a great city and neighbourhood park that will be beautiful, resilient and sustainable. Grange Park is at the heart of a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood in downtown Toronto. This connection highlights activities happening on or near the grounds.
Other tributes to nature have been sprouting on the site. Have a look at the vibrant photographs of Collection X user L.A. Moore in Flower Power, and Art Monkey's humorous take on a common backyard visitor.
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Duncan Walker of the City Beautification Ensemble bringing some colour to a planter.
The City Beautification Ensemble practices a mix of performance and public intervention. They have presented their work in spaces throughout Toronto, and at Mercer Union, ne plus ultra, the Harbourfront Centre, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and other festivals and institutions. The Ensemble uses colour in unexpected places to bring attention to the environmental issues we face living in an urban setting.
At last summer's Art In The Park, Duncan Walker used water-based paints to bring colour to McCaul Street. To find out what the CBE is up to, or to view a video interview, visit their profile.
Carbon Copy, installation view, Gladstone Hotel, 2007
In a podcast, local resident Carol Coiffe describes her vision for a healthy community model. What's yours? Collection X is interested in creative interpretations of green initiatives or likeminded community projects. Upload an image or audio file and join the discussion!
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