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Public ArtPublic Art in Ajax
Public Art refers to creative works existing on publicly accessible property that enhance our public spaces. Public Art can include works such as sculptures, fountains, paintings, metal and glass works, murals, furnishings and architectural design elements.
Both the Corporate Strategic Plan and the Integrated Community Arts and Cultural Plan (ICACP) demonstrate the Town's understanding that planning for art, culture and heritage is essential to building a strong, vibrant and creative community, including the inclusion of art features, such as sculptures and structures as key elements of the future design of public spaces, as well as private investment through new development projects where possible. Artistic pieces in our community help to make buildings, open spaces, and neighbourhoods attractive and memorable places where people want to visit, live, work and play.
Artists are encouraged to contact the Town with Public Art proposals. Please contact Robert Gruber, Manager of Partnerships, Community & Policy Development at 905-619-2529 ext. 7241 or robert.gruber@townofajax.com
Current Works of Public Art in Ajax
Anchor Sculpture - Town Hall
In 1968, artist Ron Baird was commissioned by Public Works Canada to create an abstract piece for the Ajax Post Office. The "Anchor", approximately 6 meters high is made of coretin or steel that rusts but does not oxidate. For more information on the artist and his works, visit www.ronbairdartist.com
Fountain - Town Hall
Commissioned by the Town of Ajax for the new Town Hall design, the fountain was designed by William Lishman, Canadian inventor, artist and ultralight aircraft enthusiast. The 1996 film "Fly Away Home" is loosely based on Lishman's early work, including his book Father Goose, published in 1995. For more information on Bill Lishman, his art, designs and aviation history, visit www.williamlishman.com
Metalwork Gate - Town HallDesigned by artist Bruce Watson for the old Ajax Town Hall, this piece of artwork once stood outside the entrance to the Council Chambers, dividing the courtyard and a smaller area belonging to the Ajax Public Library. During the Town Hall retrofit, the artwork was moved and now rests on the north side of the outside wall of the River Plate Room.
Vasika mhuri (Family Creation) – McLean Community Centre
Created by Zimbabwe artist Passmore Mashaya, this sculpture showcases the images of several people carved into serpentine stone. The people are intertwined together, depicting such themes as family, community, celebration, play, diversity and unity.
Veterans' Point Gardens
Through a community-based waterfront master plan, completed in 1995, it was felt that the property at the foot of Harwood Avenue, the town=s ceremonial main street, ought to make a 'statement' and create a distinctive cultural landmark to celebrate the past and present the spirit of Ajax. Designed by Bruce Johnson, Landscape Architect with the Town of Ajax, this unique landscape has been formed in the shape of a ship=s prow, representing the H.M.S. Ajax. The four paths and sculptures represent the manufacturing lines of Defence Industries Limited (DIL), the wartime munitions plant which began the community that has become Ajax.
Teen Art Project - Waste Receptacles
Beginning in the summer of 2006, the Teen Art Project looked to combine artistic efforts with environmental awareness. The result - artistically designed and painted waste receptacles, now positioned throughout Ajax. The project involves teens, aged 11 - 15 and provides an artistic outlet, while focusing on themes of waste reduction and anti-littering.
Totem Pole - Ajax Community Centre
In 1973, Rudy Huber, the Principle of Parkside Public School, and Georg Kollaard, the teacher of the Special Learning Disabilities (S.L.D) class, decided that the large foyer of the school needed to be filled. It was decided that a totem pole would fill the area very well, and Mr. Kollaard felt his class was up to the challenge. With the donation of a hydro pole from Ajax Hydro, the grade 5 to 8 students, under the supervision of Mr. Kollaard, designed, carved and painted the totem, completing the project in 1975. In 2004, Parkside Public School was closed and the Totem Pole was donated to the Town Archives. The pole is now on display at the Ajax Community Centre.
Totem Pole - Duffins Trail
Through the Adopt-a-Trail program hosted by Town of Ajax Operations & Environmental Services, the 1st Pickering Village Venturers have adopted the trail from Elizabeth St. to Birchmount St., carving and placing a totem pole on the trail to mark their participation.
Water Feature - The Keg Restaurant
Opened in the summer of 2008 at the NW Corner of Kingston Rd. E. and Salem Rd. N., The Keg Restaurant has included an interesting water feature as part of their patio design. The Waterwall can also be seen from Salem Road.
Sculpture - BMW DurhamCreating an urban square as a focal point at the Salem Centre Business Area located at the NE corner of Salem Rd. S. & Achilles Rd., BMW Durham has included a sculpture as part of the square's design.
Art Displays in Ajax
The Town of Ajax has a number of places where art is exhibited. For more information on how to exhibit your art work at either the Ajax Town Hall Council Chambers Lobby or the McLean Community Centre, click here.
- Ajax Town Hall Council Chambers Lobby
- McLean Community Centre
- Rotary Room at the Ajax Public Library
- Cultural Expressions Gallery www.culturalexpressions.ca
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