KENILWORTH – Three unique works of art have been chosen to commemorate Wellington North Township’s 25th anniversary.
The township’s Cultural Roundtable received 30 entries for its Amalgamation Art Contest, which launched earlier this year with entries due in the spring.
Judges selected three winners, whose work “demonstrated exceptional skill, vision and dedication, capturing the essence of our community through their unique perspectives,” a news release stated.
The winners, whose entries were approved at the Aug. 26 council meeting, are Elizabeth Laros, Jennifer Baia and 11-year-old Natalia Skorupska.
Contest winners – The works seen here, created by Elizabeth Laros were chosen as the winners of an art competition in honour of the 25th anniversary of the creation of Wellington North Township.
Laros’ entry, in black and white, depicts a puzzle piece in the shape of the township, and includes iconic landmarks such as the Arthur United Church, Mount Forest and Arthur water towers, and the Kenilworth schoolhouse.
She has also hidden the township logo somewhere within the piece.
Baia’s work, entitled North7, highlights things special to the township’s communities, including patriotism, farming culture, Mennonites, the fireworks festival and more.
Skorupska, who calls herself a “new resident to Mount Forest,” worked with her art teacher, Dot Cork, to come up with the idea for her painting.
The sepia-toned piece, inspired by a 1913 postcard, depicts Murphy’s Mill and the old iron bridge at the south end of Mount Forest, “capturing the area’s historic charm,” the release said.
The winning artists will receive a $1,000 prize, which will be presented at the Sept. 23 Wellington North council meeting.
Their artwork will be reproduced and displayed at public locations in the township.
Tasha Grafos, executive assistant to the CAO, told the Community News via email that the Kenilworth municipal office will host an outdoor installation, while the arenas in Mount Forest and Arthur will likely host indoor installations.
“We have not finalized all the details yet,” she said.
Contest winners – The works seen here, created by Jennifer Baia were chosen as the winners of an art competition in honour of the 25th anniversary of the creation of Wellington North Township.
In addition to the permanent displays, the winning artworks will also be showcased at the upcoming Volunteer Celebration and Newcomer Welcome event on Sept. 12 at the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex.
To learn more about the winners and their artwork, visit wellington-north.com.
