Public Art

The Town of Pelham is creating a collaborative art project for a mural to be painted by the community and displayed outdoors upon completion.

Working closely with the Town of Pelham team, a local artist has digitally created an art piece that will connect local heritage and highlight themes of agriculture and farming, such as orchards, nurseries, vineyards, livestock farms, and field crops. The final art piece has been converted into a paint-by-number mural that community members can help to complete.

“Art provides a platform for residents to collaborate and can also create a sense of pride for those who take part in the project,” said Town of Pelham CAO David Cribbs. “Pelham is filled with rich heritage, and creating a community mural together is an exceptional way to blend the town’s past while creating an opportunity for art Pelham can be proud of.”

Community members of all ages will have an opportunity to participate in painting the project at a community event in December of this year. The project uses a paint-by-number layout, so community members do not need any previous artistic experience.

The Town of Pelham recognizes the need for public artwork and placemaking installations that will continue to beautify the community.

The Town of Pelham would like to acknowledge funding support from the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario for their support.

Application to the Ontario Arts Council’s Presenters Projects Stream

February 2024 - The Town of Pelham applied to the Ontario Arts Council’s Presenters Projects Stream for $5,000 to support the development of a community mural project.

Arts Presenters Grant Awarded

June 2024 - The Town receives notification that the $5,000 funding request to support the development of a heritage-themed collaborative mural art project.

Mural theme consultation with community groups

September 2024 - Consultation with Pelham Historical Society, Pelham Cultural Advisory Committee, local schools, and residents helps to refine mural themes. The most prominent theme that emerged from these discussions was local agriculture, including orchards, vineyards, nurseries, dairy and livestock farms, and field crops. 

Call for Artists Issued

September 27, 2024 - Town staff issue a call for artist submissions. The Call for Artists outlined the project requirements, timeline, and evaluation criteria.

Deadline for Artist Submissions

October 10, 2024 - A total of eight submissions were received by the deadline. Of these, four were from local Pelham residents. Evaluations were reviewed by Town staff using a pre-identified evaluation criteria.

Mural Artist Selected

October 15, 2024 -  After careful evaluation, Heather Potts and Shannon Hawn, known professionally as PaintPotts, were selected. PaintPotts is a Pelham-based business specializing in mural design and painting.

Final Mural Design Sent for Production

November 1, 2024 - Town Staff sent the final mural design to Paintillio, a Canadian company specializing in creating custom paint-by-number murals, for production. 

Community Painting Events

December 8 - 31, 2024 - Residents will have multiple opportunities to participate in the mural creation process, including a "Paint and Skate" event on December 8, coinciding with the public skating session. All painting activities will be free of charge, and participants will be required to sign up in advance to ensure adequate supplies are available. 

Mural Unveiling Event

January 2025 - The completed mural installation and a plaque recognizing project funders was unveiled at the Pelham Municipal Building.

Location: Canboro Road at Welland Road, Fenwick, ON

This utility box features a tribute to Ebert’s Garage, a local landmark that operated nearby from 1923 to 1993.

The artwork was created by E.L. Crossley Secondary School art students as part of their 2025 class project, with guidance from their teacher. Special thanks to the Pelham Historical Society for providing historical reference photos.

E.L. Crossley Secondary School 2025 Art Students:
Charlie Faulkner, Madelyn Breadner, Olivia McCullough and Meghan Henry | Teacher Bronwyn White

To learn more about the history of Ebert’s Garage, please visit the Pelham Historical Society website.

Location: Canboro Road at Maple Street, Fenwick, ON

This utility box features the Fenwick Flagpole and representations of horse racing from the Fenwick Fair. 

The artwork was created by E.L. Crossley Secondary School art students as part of their 2025 class project, with guidance from their teacher. Special thanks to the Pelham Historical Society for providing historical reference photos.

E.L. Crossley Secondary School 2025 Art Students:
Simra Ahmed, Noa Houghton, Sarah Jo, Nathan Gojmerac, Hunter Tassone, Ethan MacKinnon, Sarah Matiesh, Annaleigh Neilson, and Dexter Wimbush | Teacher Bronwyn White

To learn more about the history of the Fenwick Fair, please visit the Pelham Historical Society website. For more information on the Fenwick Flag Pole, visit the Heritage Site webpage.

Location: Maple Street at the Municipal Lot, Fenwick, ON

This utility box features a vibrant and bright representation of a historical streetscape in Fenwick. 

The artwork was created by E.L. Crossley Secondary School art students as part of their 2025 class project, with guidance from their teacher. Special thanks to the Pelham Historical Society for providing historical reference photos.

E.L. Crossley Secondary School 2025 Art Students:
Ashlynn Traver, Wyatt VanNatter, Shakinah Gardingan, Summer Dockrill, Emma Sterenberg, Vanessa Lehmann, Sienna York, Regan LeVasseur, Charlie Metsala, and Hailey Roberts-Cabras | Teacher Bronwyn White

To learn more about the history of the Fenwick, please visit the Pelham Historical Society website.