WHAT IS THIS?
We Must Love and Support One Another is a public art project that fosters community connection through three drop-in workshops, a large-scale temporary text-based installation, and an artists' talk.
In 2019, Guillermo Del Toro wrote, “Optimism is radical. It is the hard choice, the brave choice. And it is, it seems to me, most needed now, in the face of despair –.” This project embraces that sentiment, bringing together over 200 community members to create an artwork rooted in radical optimism.
The workshops welcome youth, families, adults, and seniors to gather, create, and share. Participants will make bold banners and signs using colourful materials, shaping a collective statement of care, solidarity, and joy. These workshops provide an inclusive, intergenerational space for creative expression and dialogue, reinforcing the power of optimism as action.
From the workshops, a single sentence or phrase will be selected and installed as a large-scale text artwork on a chain-link fence at the entrance to Raymore Park. This site-specific installation will be a bold symbol of unity and collective care.
WHERE IS IT?
The workshops and the art installation will take place at Raymore Park, on the grass near the parking lot. Close to the intersection of Tilden Crescent/ Raymore Drive. If you come from Weston Lions Park, you will walk along the Pam-Am path, crossing over the Raymore bridge either on foot or by bicycle.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE?
It’s free! Funding has been secured from the Toronto Arts Council with additional support from Castlepoint Numa and Crayola Canada.
HOW MANY WORKSHOPS ARE THERE?
Three workshops will take place as part of this project. A mix of art supplies, prompts, and support for art-making will be provided. It’s going to be fun! No experience required.
Workshop 1 - Saturday, June 13, 1-4 PM
Workshop 2 - Saturday, June 20, 1-4 PM
Workshop 3 - Saturday, June 27, 1-4 PM
WHAT IF MY FRIEND, FAMILY MEMBER, OR CHILD DOESN’T SPEAK ENGLISH?
Speaking, writing, or communicating in English is not a requirement to participate in this workshop! If you communicate in another language, your voice and sense of who the community is are equally important to us all. Please come! Also, the text in the final art installation will be in both English and Spanish!
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?
If it’s raining (or looks like rain is likely), the workshop will be shifted to the next day, Sunday - same time, same place!
ARE THERE WASHROOMS?
There is a portable toilet in the park.
WILL THERE BE FOOD?
Some snacks and drinks will be provided to participants on a first-come, first-served basis.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The workshops will be photo-documented to fulfill grant reporting requirements and for marketing future events.
WHEN WILL THE FINAL ARTWORK BE INSTALLED?
The artwork will be installed mid-July, and we’ll be having an unveiling celebration on Saturday, July 25, from 6-8 PM.
WHO’S CARRIE?
Hi! I’m Carrie Perreault - an artist and neighbour who has lived in Weston for seven years :) I am a multidisciplinary artist, producer, community organizer, and administrator with an MFA from the University of Waterloo. I have a decade of experience in managing operations in the interior design/ architecture industry. I produce large-scale projects, including multi-faceted events, and work across performance, sculpture, installation, and publishing.