By Julia Le
Art in the park
On site. Hotbox Riverwood, an outdoor art exhibition, is being featured at Riverwood Park until December. Seen here is Touch by Tom Dietrich. Supplied photo
For the last several years, Hidas and her colleague, Stephen Paul Fulton, have been working as part of an ad hoc group of artists doing what they can to help fulfill the City of Mississauga's master plan, which includes a public art framework.
The framework, approved last year by City Council, outlines plans to use public art — both permanent and temporary — to enhance the identity and unique character of Mississauga. It identifies public art as a way to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors, lend the city a unique identity in the public imagination, offer landmarks for exploring and stimulate discussion.
On Oct. 1, Hidas, director of the HotBox Riverwood mentorship project, saw her vision of natural public art come to life at Riverwood Park. After months of working with stakeholders to develop the plan and selecting artists to create natural site-specific pieces, the HotBox Riverwood outdoor exhibition was officially unveiled to the public during the recent Culture Days, a three-day celebration that's part of a coast-to-coast movement dedicated to raising the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of Canadians in the arts and cultural life of communities.
Mississauga events showcased the world of local artists, creators, historians, architects, curators and designers.
Hidas said Culture Days was the perfect way to showcase the work that celebrates the Riverwood Park area and public art in Mississauga.
Tours were offered to the public, providing people the opportunity to walk the trail within the natural setting of Riverwood and experience art along its path.
Hidas says when people think of public art, they usually think of a large monument, which is costly.
But with this project, she wanted to show they can create a buzz, without a high price tag.
The grassroots project also connects many groups and allows artists to develop their craft.
"I wanted to help local artists have an opportunity to not just work in a gallery, but come outside and be with the public," she said. "Not everyone wants to go into a gallery, but everyone wants to go to the park and be with nature."
Over the next several weeks, Hidas says the group will be documenting changes in the pieces, all made from natural, environmentally friendly materials.
She said some pieces will likely disintegrate faster than others.
"That will be part of the beauty of the experience," she said, adding the weather, animals and environment will impact the way the pieces present themselves. Sculptures that survive the elements will be removed in December.
Those interested in a tour can e-mail hotbox24@live.ca.
jle@mississauga.net
