The Rotary Club of Southampton and Southampton Arts are delighted to confirm the installation of a mural in the “Gateway to the Arts” alley between the Town Hall and the Art School in Southampton, Ontario, Canada.
This whimsical mural of the High Street was originally commissioned by the Rotary Club of Southampton in 2022 for use as a tracking board for “Toonies for Tom”, a Rotary fundraiser for a CT Scanner for the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation, raising $20,002 for the campaign.
The painting was created by local artists and friends of Southampton Arts and the project was led by Darlene McConnachie and Jo Ann Sturgeon.
After the “Toonies for Tom” campaign, the artists asked if the mural could go on permanent display and Rotary suggested changing the title to reflect a “Shop Local” theme.
The mural was installed by Town staff on August 2, 2023 and a photo op with the artists, Sara Porter of the BIA and Art School Manager Michelle Casolino was held on August 15, 2023.