The City of Quinte West has joined in the celebration of World Art Day with an engaging exhibit that not only showcases the talents of local artists but also brings art to the people. The exhibit, titled Mixed Media: Exploration of an Artistic Medium, is now on display at several locations along the Trent River in Quinte West, offering a unique experience for residents and visitors alike.
- Centennial Park (beside the Pop-ups in Trenton)
- Frankford Tourist Park
- Riverfront Square
Mixed Media: Exploration of an Artistic Medium features photographs of 16 works by eight talented Arts Quinte West members that are on display in the city’s ‘Art on the Trent’ outdoor art frames. These frames, made possible by grant funding received by the city in late 2022, provide a stunning backdrop for the artwork, allowing it to be appreciated from multiple angles and in various lighting conditions. A range of creative techniques are used in this exhibit, including acrylic paint, paper mâché, watercolour, gouache, and light modeling paste. This diversity of materials and techniques is what makes the artwork in Mixed Media: Exploration of an Artistic Medium truly unique and captivating.
- Acrylic paint
- Paper mâché
- Watercolour
- Gouache
- Light modeling paste
The City of Quinte West is proud to continue to showcase some of the incredible talent from their community through the Art on the Trent program. According to Jennifer Rushlow, Tourism Development Officer, “The art featured in the outdoor frames gives residents and visitors a chance to experience the creativity and passion of our local artists up close while also experiencing some of Quinte West’s most picturesque waterfront locations.”
Arts Quinte West, the organization behind the exhibit, also plays a significant role in promoting the art of local artists. Paulette Kinmond, President of Arts Quinte West, says, “We are thrilled to be a part of this dynamic and inspiring exhibit. The Arts Quinte West group allows new and established artists to create, explore, and showcase their genre of talents in various community installments, such as Art on the Trent.”
“Art installations along the Trent River hold deep meaning for me as they transform familiar landscapes into spaces of reflection, connection, and storytelling,” says Brandy Brown, who is a featured artist in the exhibit and owner of these 4 walls gallery in downtown Trenton. “They allow art to live outside the confines of galleries, engaging the community and honouring the river’s natural beauty and cultural history. Each piece becomes a dialogue between nature, artist, and viewer—anchored by place and memory.”
The Art on the Trent outdoor public art program brings art to public spaces along the Trent River in Quinte West on an ongoing basis. The Mixed Media: Exploration of an Artistic Medium exhibit will remain on display until fall 2025, giving residents and visitors plenty of time to appreciate the artwork and enjoy the beautiful waterfront locations.
Key Features of the Exhibit
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Acrylic paint | A versatile and vibrant medium used to create bold, expressive works of art. |
| Paper mâché | A technique that involves creating objects from paper pulp, often used to add texture and depth to artwork. |
| Watercolour | A translucent and delicate medium used to create soft, dreamy works of art. |
| Gouache | A opaque and vibrant medium used to create bold, graphic works of art. |
| Light modeling paste | A textured medium used to create dimensional and sculptural works of art. |
Benefits of Public Art
- Enhances community engagement and social cohesion
- Promotes tourism and local economic development
- Transforms public spaces into vibrant and dynamic environments
- Provides a platform for local artists to showcase their talents
- Enhances the aesthetic appeal of public spaces
In conclusion, the Mixed Media: Exploration of an Artistic Medium exhibit in Quinte West is a testament to the power of public art to transform and enrich our communities. By bringing art to the people and showcasing the talents of local artists, the City of Quinte West is demonstrating its commitment to promoting creativity and innovation. As Brandy Brown so eloquently puts it, “Each piece becomes a dialogue between nature, artist, and viewer—anchored by place and memory.” This exhibit is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the beauty and significance of public art.