Making Waves in Port Stanley: Artist Announcement
Our team at Andrew Gunn Consulting / young & free press is working in collaboration with the Port Stanley Business Improvement Area to add new artwork in the village. Port Stanley is one of the great tourism destinations in Ontario and has a lovely, walkable core and vibrant harbour. The art project – titled ‘Making Waves’ – will run through 2026 and 2027.
In June 2026, we welcomed celebrated artist Michelle Hoogveld to Port Stanley to paint a beautiful new mural. Next, we are planning the installation of several pieces by artists from the region. This is an extension of an initiative that we have already established widely in the community.
Over the past five years, we have partnered with the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre to introduce the popular ‘Art, Trees & Trails’ project. This has involved reproducing landmark works of art from the permanent collection at the Art Centre on attractive signs, which are subsequently installed along local trails. Currently, these pieces can be found in Springwater Forest and Dalewood Conservation Area, as well as throughout the St. Thomas Elevated Park and along pathways in the City of St. Thomas.
For Port Stanley, the project comes with a fun twist! Along with paintings from the Art Centre permanent collection, we will be adding three original paintings to the series. In April 2026, we put out a request for qualifications from artists, and now we are excited to announce the three participating artists: Elizabeth Kusinski, Angela Hardy, and Mike Cywink. The ‘Making Waves’ theme revolves around ideas and efforts that have made an impact on Port Stanley past and present – and what might be significant in the future. We look forward to seeing what each artist imagines for Port Stanley!
Photographs of the three new paintings will be taken for reproduction on signs that will be installed outdoors in Port Stanley. Stay tuned for all the location details! The original works will become part of the permanent collection at the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre.
Andrew Gunn and Madison Comfort of Andrew Gunn Consulting and young & free press highlight one of the past installations in the ‘Art, Trees & Trails’ series – ‘Fish Clan’ by renowned artist Norval Morrisseau, which can be found along the walking trail near Lake Margaret in St. Thomas. Discover all the locations at http://www.stepac.ca/art--trees-and-trails
Background Information:
Port Stanley BIA
The Port Stanley Business Improvement Area (BIA) represents property and business owners in the village and aims to promote and beautify the community. Visit https://portstanley.net
St Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre
The St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre sparks creativity, connects community, and brings art to life for residents and visitors. Find out more at http://www.stepac.ca
Andrew Gunn Consulting
The team at Andrew Gunn Consulting imagines and develops community-building projects in southwestern Ontario. Details are shared regularly through the youth-driven media outlet young & free press. Check out the company at www.andrewgunnconsulting.ca
Art, Trees & Trails
Beginning in 2020, the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre has coordinated the ‘Art, Trees & Trails’ initiative, which showcases artwork through the installation of attractive signs featuring high quality reproductions of landmark paintings. Locations include Springwater Forest, Dalewood Conservation Area, St. Thomas Elevated Park, and trails in the City of St. Thomas. The project was funded initially through a contribution from the Estate of Donna Bushell. Additional details can be found at http://www.stepac.ca/art--trees-and-trails
