The Markham Group of Artists (MGA) unveiled a mosaic painting entitled A Place to Call Home that was collectively created by 29 of its members at an event held to share how a grant is being used to benefit artists of all abilities.
“The impact of this Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grant cannot be overstated,” MGA President Robin Potter said at the February 24 event at Larry Tod Place, a Markham Inter-Church Committee for Affordable Housing building on Water Street in Markham Village.
“This grant is enabling the hybrid transition from digital programming to in-person delivery. With this funding, we have delivered two in-person member art exhibitions and five online shows, the painting mosaic, participation in two public markets, the rental of meeting spaces and continued conversations with regional art group leaders.”
The MGA supports 90 artists, from beginner to professional, and offers demonstrations, exhibitions, workshops, critiques and art talks, many of which are open to the public. Thanks to the $19,700 Resilient Communities Fund grant – which helps organizations develop and implement plans that address current organizational challenges – people of various artistic abilities are benefitting from art instruction, taking part in collaborative artmaking, exhibiting their work publicly and taking advantage of recorded events, it reports.
“This investment by the OTF to assist MGA create flexible programming and stay connected with the community as we emerge from pandemic conditions is key to helping MGA adapt to an ever-changing world,” said Markham-Stouffville MPP Paul Calandra. “Artists in and around Markham are emerging from pandemic isolation and benefit from the adapted programming offered by MGA.”
The OTF is a provincial government agency and for the past 40 years has been one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. MGA supports local artists in developing their skills, sharing their work with the community and creating opportunities for fellowship around art. Visit markhamartists.org for more information or if you’re interested in becoming a member.
Photo of the painting mosaic A Place to Call Home and artists. Photo courtesy of the Markham Group of Artists.
