Essential workers have been exposed to the dangers of COVID-19 throughout the pandemic – all to ensure the community’s health and safety.
They put their own well-being on the line so that critical services and operations continued.
To honour these unsung heroes, an art installation featuring colourful origami cranes will be on display at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre.
An opening reception will be held on March 24 at 2:30 p.m., marking the two-year anniversary of COVID lockdowns in Ontario and across Canada.
The project started in early January when the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre team invited people in the community to join them in creating 1,000 origami cranes to honour essential workers.
This well-known tradition originated in Japan and promises to grant a wish to anyone who folds 1,000 cranes.
“We have had incredible community support, with volunteers coming in droves to participate in this project,” said Pumphouse director Rima Boles. “It was inspiring to hear stories of neighbours, families and friends folding cranes together in-person or online.”
The next phase of the project involved securing a fitting venue for the exhibit. In collaboration with staff from the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, the community centre was selected for the art display. With the help of volunteers, the paper cranes will be assembled to be hung by the windows of the community centre.
“When the exhibit opens, we invite everyone to see the remarkable and stunning origami cranes on display that represent the collective effort of many volunteers and organizations,” said Boles.
“Fulfilling the legend of the crane, the assembly during the opening ceremony will make a wish for the end of the pandemic,” she added.
Lord Mayor Betty Disero said the project sends a “wonderful message” to the community.
“I am looking forward to seeing all of the origami cranes displayed at the community centre, including the 50 made by CAO Marnie Cluckie and me. It is my hope that community members will look upon these cranes and reflect on the dedication of all essential workers throughout this pandemic.”
The art installation is scheduled to run through April 7.
After the show ends, the Pumphouse hopes to find new homes for the paper cranes.
The public is invited to nominate an essential worker or organization to receive a strand of origami cranes from the exhibit by sending an email to office@niagarapumphouse.ca.