Arts and Culture
Call for Artists - Carnaby Park Public Art
The Town of East Gwillimbury is seeking Expression of Interest (EOIs) from professional artists or artist teams to design and create a permanent public artwork for Carnaby Park. This initiative aims to celebrate Canada's rich heritage and the diverse communities that shape it's identity.
Arts and Culture in East Gwillimbury
Arts and culture play an important role in any community. East Gwillimbury (EG) is home to many talented artists, musicians, and performers and we have many heritage buildings, historic sites, museums, theatres, and art galleries for you to enjoy.
Culture is the beliefs, values, and other characteristics shared by groups of people. These characteristics include language, cuisine, heritage, traditions, etc. We express culture through the places and the things that we create, like art, music, theatre, film, literature, or other handmade and artisan creations.
You can find culture throughout EG in our:
EG approved its Cultural Plan in 2011. The Plan provides goals and strategies for growing culture in EG to strengthen community identity and cultural engagement. You can visit our Cultural Plan page for more information, click here.
Featured Artists
Each month, the Town of East Gwillimbury (EG) recognizes local artists for their work. For more details, please visit the Featured Artist page.
Art Installations in EG
Holding Hope explores the themes of perseverance, charity, and possibility while celebrating the rich history of the original town of Hope. Expressed through the symbolism of a mature dandelion and its seeds, Holding Hope captures the essence of resilience, growth, and optimism with the distinctive hand inviting reflection on hard work, equality, and human connection.
The hand is a gentle representation of ‘holding’ the stories of the Children of Peace while symbolizing the values of the community; integrity, peace, cooperation, and giving. The dandelion depicts survival, known to thrive in almost any condition, just as the community flourished through hardship. The iconic dandelion, known internationally and as the ‘wish flower,’ brings delightful accessible art to this park allowing every diverse visitor to find some aspect of their own experience reflected back to them. We have all felt the surprise, pleasure and promise connected with a blow and a wish. The lovely imagery expresses David Willson’s founding utopian vision of hope.
The authentic, feathery dynamic of the 150 stainless steel dandelion seeds provides a subtle balance to the sculptural form and adds an elegant, whimsical flair. The gracefully dispersing seeds, blown from the flower head, invite opportunities to reflect on transition and new life possibilities.
Another inspiring life philosophy from the Hope community was how they pulled together, counted on each other, and how interdependence is essential in nature and portrayed through this sculpture. Each element is valuable to the community, and each element's well-being is dependent on the community. Sculpturally, every dandelion and seed (community member) is unique and diverse while contributing to the common good.
As were the Children of Peace. Holding Hope is simple, authentic, and generous in its meaning and connection to all. This installation mirrors the historical times with its materials and link to blacksmithing as an integral part of this community's functioning. The matured steel of the hand and bright stainless of the seeds creates a lively interplay of light and shadow and aspire to add relevant, contextual interest while serving as an attractive beacon and an inclusive, iconic landmark for the Children of Peace Park. A further enhancement for the park is the opportunity for forced perspective photography as visitors blow the seeds and make their wishes.
Holding Hope is offered to encourage feelings of curiosity, gratitude, delight, and well-being as it celebrates and keeps the stories of the past and inspires hope for the future.
About the Artist
Kyle Thornley is an artist blacksmith who, for the last 18 years, has been creating art with metals through commissioned pieces, architectural metalwork, exhibitions, and public art. Kyle is always grateful to create art in the public realm, forging meaning between citizens and their spaces – non-threatening, inviting art that allows every visitor to perhaps find some aspect of their own experience reflected back to them, to provide a fresh perspective, or to act as a catalyst towards critical thought. Kyle is honoured to be a finalist in this meaningful Children of Peace Park public art project. East Gwillimbury is clearly committing to and furthering the belief in art and its power for greater connectivity and for hope.
EG Paddle Project
Get involved and beautify our community with a decorated paddle that tells a story.
The EG Arts and Culture Advisory Committee invites residents to participate in the "Paddle Project" and create personalized paddles to display outside their homes. This project brings unique public art to our town, encourages tourism and exemplifies our close relationship with our Indigenous community in East Gwillimbury.
Purchase your 36" poplar paddle for $30 by contacting ArtsAndCulture@eastgwillimbury.ca.
Register for Cultural Programming
EG provides a wide variety of recreation and culture programs. We also work with the community to ensure there are convenient and complementary services available through our partnerships.
Check out our cultural programs and events offered through the Town!
Stay Connected
Fill out the Artist Registry Application Form to stay up to date on marketing and promotional opportunities with the Town and the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee.
Fill out the Artist Registry Application Form
Contact The Arts and Culture Advisory Committee
Stay in touch with us to learn more about our community's activities and events that showcase the talent in EG! If you have any questions or require more information on upcoming events, please contact:
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