Your inspiration to think spring

Creative signs of spring

Spring can never seem to arrive quickly enough for those who have grown weary of winter’s weather. While the calendar may have officially marked the arrival of this anticipated season, it can often take time before the budding blooms, green grass, and singing birds truly demonstrate that spring is here. While we anxiously await those signs, a visit to four of Orangeville’s public art displays may offer some comfort and inspire us to think spring.

Roses Aren’t Always Red by Deb Menken

Full of flowers and foliage, this colourful piece is a digital manipulation of an original acrylic painting. The location fittingly pays tribute to the Dufferin Garden Centre, a business that contributed to the growth and beauty of many local gardens for over 45 years. The piece was created by local artist Deb Menken and is a vibrant example of her abstract artwork. Deb is an active member of Headwaters Arts and often leads workshops at Maggiolly Art.

Frenzy by Sharon Wadsworth-Smith

This bold, abstract piece features a dynamic Bee Balm blowing in the wind and is one of six utility box art displays in Kay Cee Gardens. Collectively, the pieces add a creative vibe to your walk through the park. Artist Sharon Wadsworth-Smith allows movement to play an important role in her creative process, bringing energy to her paintings. A former resident of Orangeville, she now lives in Nova Scotia.

Peaceful Clearing by Carol DiRamio

This digital illustration was created by Carol DiRamio, an avid drawer and painter. It brings a sense of peace to the bustling intersection at Broadway and Ada Street. The lush forest landscape depicts the artists’ favourite section of the Upper Credit Conservation Area, located just south of Orangeville. Spring is perfect time to explore the area and provides an opportunity to hike the first signed section of the Credit Valley Trail, a proposed 100-kilometre pathway that intends to follow the Credit River.

Island Lake by Judi Island

More of our area's natural beauty is displayed on a utility box at Blind Line and College Avenue. This piece shows the view from the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail at Island Lake Conservation Area and combines themes of nature and local history. Artist Judi Island is a descendant of the Island family, early settlers to the area and owners of the farmland adjacent to the conservation area that now bears their name. The view looks towards the hills that was once farmed by the artist's ancestors. Head out for a hike and try to spot this location along the way.

These pieces are part of Orangeville’s utility box art display program, a collection that includes 30 installations and grows annually as part of the Town of Orangeville’s Call for Artists. The 2023 call is now open and will include up to four new locations. Local artists living in Dufferin County are invited to apply before the deadline of May 11, 2023.

Find more public art

Orangeville Winter Farmers' Market

Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Town Hall, 87 Broadway

Discover produce and meats, ready-to-eat sweets and savouries, handcrafted goods, and more from local farmers and producers.

Get details

Spring Bunny Hop

Around downtown Orangeville

Until Monday, April 10

Hop around downtown Orangeville and search for 10 bunnies in shop windows for a chance to win kids prize packs, candy, and Downtown Dollars.

Get details

Spring Fling Draganza

In support of Celebrate Your Awesome

Saturday, April 15

Town Hall Opera House

Drag performers hit the stage during this one-night only event! Presented by Celebrate Your Awesome and hosted by TroyBoy Parks.

Get tickets

The New Canadian Curling Club

Presented by Theatre Orangeville

April 26 to May 14

Town Hall Opera House

Follow along as four new Canadians from around the globe sign up for a weekly “Learn to Curl” class with a reluctant coach.

Get tickets

Visit our online calendar for more events

Meet Ricky Schaede

Artist and Art Instructor

Ricky is a self-taught, multi-faceted artist who creates paintings, drawings, and sculptures. His love of animals, nature, and fantasy serves as the inspiration for his artwork. He also teaches art lessons to groups and private students of all ages. Ricky loves expanding his understanding of art, being creative, and sharing the joy of art with others.

"I love Orangeville because of the great people, vibrant arts scene, and awesome restaurants. I also love being close to Orangeville's beautiful natural surroundings and all of the nearby hiking locations."

Read about Ricky

On the pursuit of public art

There’s a fun and interactive way to discover a selection of Orangeville’s public art collection this spring using the Driftscape mobile app. The Pursuit of Public Art Scavenger Hunt follows an 800-metre route around downtown Orangeville where you’ll solve clues to find a collection of 10 tree sculptures, utility boxes, and murals. Complete the scavenger hunt to collect 10 points and then redeem them for a Love, Orangeville tote bag when you drop by the Visitor Information Centre.

Here's how it works:

Download the free Driftscape mobile app and then head to downtown Orangeville.
Search for “Pursuit of Public Art” in Driftscape and click on the magnifying glass icon.
Open the scavenger hunt and then hit “Start the tour.”
Solve the clues and follow the directions to find all 10 locations.
Collect your points at the end of the tour. Then head to the Visitor Information Centre to redeem your points for a Love, Orangeville tote bag.

Enjoy the search!

Download Driftscape

200 Lakeview Court

1-855-415-8687

tourism@orangeville.ca

#LoveOrangeville

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