What was once dull, green utility equipment will soon become vibrant landmarks in Niagara-on-the-Lake, after three local artists were named winners of this year’s hydro box beautification contest.
The two jury award winners are Janet Horne Cozens, for her piece “Forever,” and Nancy Wardle, for “Niagara Hands, Canadian Heart.” The people’s choice award went to Gail Kerr for “NOTL Golf – 150 Years Strong.”
Now in its seventh year, the program has transformed 20 hydro boxes in Niagara-on-the-Lake into public art, with three more to be unveiled later this year. The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre organizes the competition.
The new installations will appear in front of Meridian Credit Union on Niagara Stone Road/Highway 55, at the intersection of Niagara Stone and Niven roads, and outside the Gateway Centre on York Road.
This year’s theme, “Canada,” invited artists to reflect on national identity, landscapes and shared heritage. A total of 26 designs were submitted and are on display at the Pumphouse’s Walker Room Gallery until Oct. 12.
“We’re proud to support this program that not only brightens our community but also celebrates the talent of local artists,” said Tim Curtis, president of NOTL Hydro, in a media release.
Pumphouse’s director Rima Boles said every artist who submitted work deserves to be celebrated: “Public art has the power to bring people together, and this initiative continues to enrich Niagara-on-the-Lake’s cultural landscape.”
The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre’s competition is organized with support from NOTL Hydro and Communities in Bloom.
