There are fences, and then there are fences. The one at Canaipa Nursery is about to become considerably more interesting.
On Saturday 19th September, the nursery will reveal a new outdoor art wall featuring the work of seven local artists; Kinga Rypinska, Martin Gallagher, Stephen Foote, Siobhan Demeester, Julie Menzies, Rob Cornish and Jin Howard.
The idea began back in April, when nursery owner Martin Blake approached RicArts with a simple proposition; what if the front of the nursery could become something people actually wanted to stop and look at?
Five months later, the answer is taking shape in paint. The artists were given free rein over their designs, with one small instruction; the island’s flora and fauna had to find their way into the work.
Julie Menzies has been the lead artist coordinator, bringing together the artists and helping turn what started as an idea into a very colourful piece of public art.
“It’s been wonderful watching everyone interpret the island in their own way,” Jules said.
“We’ve all been looking at the same place, but seeing completely different things within it.”
The Canaipa Nursery art wall isn’t just about decorating a fence. It is an experiment in what happens when a local business, artists and a community decide to put something unexpected in the middle of everyday life. The wall is also intended to point visitors towards RicArts Art House and Gallery, creating another connection between local business and the island’s creative community.
RicArts Secretary, Eileen Munn said the project had been “an innovative and creative” collaboration between local business partners and hoped it would draw visitors to see the new art wall and outdoor gallery.
From 10.30am to 1.30pm, we’ll celebrate in true community style with a sausage sizzle, plenty of good company and, no doubt, some spirited discussion about which section of the wall deserves the title of favourite. Come along, grab a snag, admire the handiwork, and make your case!
