Portrait and performance painter Meredith Blackmore, of Fergus, has been selected as the artist for the Celebrating 150 Years of Volunteerism, a mural project that celebrates Canada’s 150th and Guelph and Wellington County’s spirit of volunteerism.
The initiative is the work of the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington, in partnership with Guelph Arts Council.
Blackmore studied art at the University of Guelph, leads workshops in schools and the Wellington County Museum and Archives, has performance painted for several public and private events and was the winner of the ‘Brush Off’ event locally in 2014 and 2016.
In addition, Blackmore has accepted diverse portrait commissions for 15 years and has established roots in Fergus with her art school, STUDIOHERE.
“With a diverse representation of people, I hope to engage volunteers of all ages and ability levels,” Blackmore said. “The mural will honour the Guelph and Wellington volunteers, both contemporary and historical, by painting their portraits.”
“With appreciation to The Guelph Community Foundation and Ontario150 for their grants funding the project, as well as the experience and wisdom of the Guelph Arts Council, the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington is thrilled to see the creative vision come to life engage volunteers in the process and creating a legacy of celebration,” officials state.
The project will be created during National Volunteer Week from April 23 to 29, with input and involvement from volunteers. The original work will then be reproduced on metal and mounted at 46 Cork St. E. in Guelph, home of the volunteer centre, for Canada’s sesquicentennial.
