The Town of Stouffville Public Art
The Town of Stouffville unveiled their first ever public art installations in the downtown area thanks to STEPS Public Art and the selected mural artists.
Project at a Glance
Ground Mural Location: Town of Stouffville’s Sculpture Walk pedestrian pathway between 6287 Main St and 6273 Main St, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario
Wall Mural Location: 6240 Main St, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario
Artists: Kseniya Tsoy and Sheryl Yee (Ground Mural); Julia Prajza, Rob McAllister, and Chrissy Kuiack (Wall Mural)
Documentarians: Jason Montplaisir and Valeria Mitsubata
Year: 2024
Services: Cultural Planning, Public Art Management
1
exploratory walk to identify potential sites for public art activations
2
inaugural public artworks in the Town of Stouffville
2
lead artists
3
artist assistants
400
sq. ft ground mural
904
sq. ft wall mural
About the Town of Stouffville Public Art
In 2024, the Town of Stouffville approached STEPS Public Art to deliver two high-impact public art and placemaking projects for the community. The public art, production, and artist management process were new to the Town, and we were delighted to support their placemaking initiatives with our expertise in public art management and creative placemaking.
Before public art projects were identified, STEPS conducted an in-person exploratory walk in the Town of Stouffville’s downtown area with a Steering Committee. With the goal of cultivating more art and culture in the Town, we looked for potential sites for public art (specifically underutilized spaces that can be transformed to meaningfully engage local residents and visitors alike), and provided recommendations on a series of potential activations to support wayfinding and placemaking objectives.
After the successful exploratory walk, two sites were selected:
- The Stouffville Sculpture Walk (a pedestrian pathway in the heart of the Town that connects Stouffville’s urban communities with the surrounding natural landscapes)
- A large wall canvas in the downtown parking lot that serves as an active location for local town events
With a short production timeframe, STEPS made the process easy from start to finish to help the Town of Stouffville complete two colourful mural installations just in time for the community holiday celebration with Mayor Iain Lovatt in attendance.
Our work included:
- Strategic recommendations on potential sites to activate and the types of artworks to consider
- Ensuring all processes are equitable and meet professional standards (such as equitable artist fees)
- Artist management and communications (including artist shortlists and artist payments)
- Hiring subcontractors (including artist assistants, printers, and installers)
- Procurement and transportation of production materials
- Professional photo and video documentation
- Creation of on-site signage and a maintenance manual
- Digital storytelling and online engagement
“The exploratory walk that STEPS conducted produced a thoughtful and detailed working document that the Town will use over the next few years. This is the first time we installed public art in the community and our residents have embraced the art and already can’t wait for what’s coming next!”
Town of Stouffville Public Art Ground Mural
Just Imagine is the new ground mural that animates the Stouffville Sculpture Walk pathway by artist Kseniya Tsoy with additional production support by Sheryl Yee. The artwork is inspired by elements that make the Town of Stouffville special (such as Stouffville’s renowned Strawberry Festival and previous title as the “Goldfish of the World”).
The vibrant and whimsical artwork also enhances wayfinding through this urban trail, making this shared public space feel brighter and safer.
Town of Stouffville Public Art Wall Mural
Daydreaming in Strawberry Fields is the new wall mural by artist Julia Prajza (with artist assistants Chrissy Kuiack and Rob McAllister) that transforms a downtown parking lot into a landmark destination for residents and visitors. The artwork celebrates the Town’s natural surroundings and native flora (while paying homage to the architectural motifs).
This project is a perfect example of creative placemaking and wayfinding by utilizing an existing space and turning it into a dynamic entryway to the downtown core.
“I loved that with STEPS [managing the whole project], I could create artwork [and] focus on the mural production […] The project went really well and everyone was very positive about the outcome.”
About the Artists
Artist name
Julia Prajza, a Muralist, Lettering Artist, and Designer based in Toronto, is dedicated to infusing joy and colour into our everyday lives. Julia’s distinctive style is characterised by vibrancy and playfulness, often infused with a whimsical charm, and frequently explores themes of nature, patterns, and text-based imagery.
Kseniya Tsoy
Kseniya Tsoy is an award-winning artist best known for her whimsical murals that engage community members in the creative process in one way or another. Kseniya loves using bright colours, bold minimalist shapes and uplifting messages to create murals that inspire joy and bring communities together.
Partners
This was also supported by My Main Street operated by the Canadian Urban Institute and funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
Have a great public art idea?
Our Cultural Planning service helps you realize your community’s public art goals and transforms your city. With our range of expertise and experience, we’ll guide your cultural planning and development from start to finish. Book a call with us today to learn more.