Pull up a seat, and learn all about the Waterdown Village BIA's latest initiative.
Chairing is Caring brings together art, business and community in a unique partnership: 18 Muskoka chairs, purchased through sponsorships by area businesses, have been hand-painted by local artists. They will be available for viewing at each sponsor location and people can bid on their favourites on the BIA website over the summer months. The money raised through the auction will be donated to a selected local charity.
The program and the stunning artworks were unveiled at the Waterdown Legion this morning (June 22) during the Farmers' Market. BIA Executive Director Susan Pennie highlighted several of the pieces during the launch, noting that each chair depicts a theme aligned with the charity it represents.
The selection of artists and non-profit organizations was curated to reflect the experiences of diverse groups and experiences, including youth, seniors, women, newcomers, Indigenous people, the LGBTQ2SL+ community and more. The visual result is an explosion of colour and stories, and they'll all be on display around town, starting this week.
The project also helps the business organization fulfill its mandate to spruce up the local shopping area.
"The Waterdown Village BIA is committed to enhancing the downtown area through beautification and place-making initiatives," BIA Chair Amanda Groves said in a press release. "We're thrilled to launch a large-scale public art project that is a win-win-win for our local business, art and non-profit communities. We can't wait to see these wonderful creations beautifying our streets."
Many of the artists were on hand at the launch. Missisauga-based Omar Hopkinson talked about his "Soulful Recovery" chair that is raising funds in support of the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton and Erica Eldridge explained the meaning of the "Hands of Time" piece that will be auctioned off in support of Speqtrum Hamilton, a youth-founded and youth-focused skill-sharing and community building program for Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ people.
Finally, Indigenous actor, artist, musician and former Waterdown resident Kevin Allan Hess presented his Smokey Hollow Falls chair, which will raise money for the Flamborough Food Bank. Sponsored by the BIA, this chair is not up for bids, but will be raffled off. Anyone who makes an online cash donation through the BIA website, or drops off a non-perishable food donation at the BIA office (20 Main St. N.) by Sept. 15 will be entered in the draw, which takes place the week of Sept. 16..
Local residents are encouraged to stroll through Waterdown to view the outdoor gallery. Each chair will include a QR code that links to details about the artists and the story behind the chair and its associated charity.
"It's a novel way to experience art, support the community and, perhaps, end up owning a 'Chairing is Caring' original," noted the BIA in a press release.
To read more about each artist, the sponsoring businesses and to bid on pieces, visit waterdownvillage.ca/chairing_is_caring.
