A Bronte outdoor art installation is painting the Oakville neighbourhood in a different light by using the area’s signature Muskoka chairs as canvases.
The exhibit, called At Home in Bronte: Winter Edition, is a project of the Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park and the local BIA. It invited six local artists to paint the wooden chairs to reflect their view of the community.
The group created 50 chairs in total, with each one containing a hidden lighthouse symbol. The goal of the exhibit was to provide an outdoor, socially distant art display while encouraging people to get exercise and fresh air. To accommodate this, more pathways will be maintained and cleared of snow around the exhibit.
The diverse group of artists each provided their own take on the assignment. Lead artist Leslie Phalen painted a total of 20 chairs, calling her series “Birds and Beasts of Bronte” and depicting the area’s local wildlife. Ojibwe artist Patrick Hunter incorporated the Woodland artistic style into his work, as well as inspiration from the Group of Seven. Oakville craft artist Rafia Shafiq used her experience with colourful graphic design to create bold patterns on her chairs. Robert John Paterson, Sarah Skrlj and Shennel Thomas all also contributed at least five chairs in their own unique style.
At Home in Bronte: Winter Edition has chairs on display at the Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park and the nearby business district. The exhibit will be available until March 31.
Location
871 Equestrian Court
#5
Oakville, ON L6L 6L7
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Hours
Mon: 9:00 - 5:00
Tue: 9:00 - 5:00
Wed: 9:00 - 5:00
Thu: 9:00 - 5:00
Fri: 9:00 - 5:00
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed