Midland Harbour Project

Murals now installed at Midland Harbour

During August 2021, the four murals created by Simcoe County artists were installed at the Midland Harbour. Below are images of the four murals and some details on each.

“Up at the Bay 100 Years Ago” by Ross Skoggard. This mural is based on a photograph of the artist's great aunt and uncle, Dr. and Mrs. F.N.G. Starr and friends at their cottage on Georgian Bay, c. 1920.
“Sweetest Day of the Year” by Liz Lasky. Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival was this mural’s inspiration. The award-winning festival began in 2013 & has placed Midland in the national & international spotlight as the town with the best butter tarts.
“Midland’s Historic Elevators” by Robert Walker. This mural focuses on the history of Midland’s waterfronts & the four elevators that used to dominate its landscape – the Midland Grain Elevators, the Simcoe Elevators, and the Tiffin & Aberdeen Elevators.
“Summer Along the Shore” by Marlene Bulas. Marlene’s summer cottage on Wymbolwood Beach is where her motivation to paint cottages, boats, sunsets & people at the beach comes from. The beauty of Georgian Bay is everchanging and Midland is surrounded by it.

Each mural, commissioned by the Town in 2020 and installed at the Town Dock in 2021, measures 4'x4'. They are now part of the Town of Midland's Public Art Collection.

Media Release - Call for Artists: 2020 Town of Midland Harbour Project

September 10, 2020 – The Town of Midland is accepting applications from Simcoe County residents to create 4' x 4' murals for installation at the Midland Harbour.

In an effort to enhance the visitor experience at Midland's waterfront with themes such as the Town's history, heritage, culture on the shores of Georgian Bay, the 2020 Town of Midland Harbour Project will see four murals created by selected artists. The murals will be installed adjacent to the Midland Harbour Office at the waterfront in the spring of 2021.

“We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful and historic region, and we want to showcase that with the help of the talented arts community residing in Simcoe County," said Nicole Major, Tourism and Special Events Manager. “These murals will add to the beauty of our waterfront for everyone to experience when visiting our harbour."

Selected artists will be provided with a 4' x 4' piece of alu panel (lightweight aluminum panel) and paid a $600 honorarium which will include the cost of materials and supplies.

The call is open to those living in Simcoe County, Barrie and Orillia, however preference will be given to those who live in Midland, Penetanguishene, Tay, Tiny and members of Beausoleil First Nation. Those selected must be able to collect the panels and return them during arranged dates and times.

The application deadline to be considered for this project is Friday, September 25, 2020, at 12 p.m. Submissions must include a completed application form, a sketch of the proposed mural, three to five samples of completed paintings, and an artist bio and/or artist statement. The application form and full details on eligibility can be found at Midland.ca/2020MidlandHarbourProject.

Selected artists will be notified by Friday, October 2, with a deadline to return completed the murals on Friday, October 30, 2020.

This project is made possible thanks to the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries.

Call for Artists: Midland Harbour Project

The Town of Midland is accepting applications from Simcoe County artists to create 4’x4’ murals for installation at the Midland Harbour.

The Town of Midland reserves the right to reject any and all submissions, as well as completed works which do not adhere to criteria and guidelines.

Timeline

Deadline to apply:

Friday, September 25, 2020 at 12 p.m. (noon)

Notification to selected artists:

Friday, October 2, 2020

Collection of alu panels:

To be coordinated with artists on an individual basis

Deadline to return completed panel and submit invoice:

Friday, October 30, 2020

Installation:

Spring 2021

Objective

To enhance the visitor experience at Midland’s waterfront. Subject matter and theme must relate to the town’s history, heritage, culture and/or proximity to Georgian Bay.* There will be four murals created and each artist can submit a maximum of two proposals for consideration.

Use of text is permitted, however profanity, advertising, branding and/or promotion of contempt against anyone are prohibited.

*Proposals must be inclusive and respect the rights of Indigenous people to own and control their heritage, including Indigenous images, design, stories, and other cultural expression.

Location

The murals will be installed outdoors adjacent to the Harbour office, between the Boathouse restaurant and the waterfront. They will be mounted into frames provided by and installed by the town. They will be installed in spring 2021.

Budget

Selected artists will be supplied with a 4’x4’ alu panel (lightweight aluminum panel) and paid a $600 honourarium. The honourarium is to include the costs of any needed materials and supplies.

Artists must prepare the panel for painting and apply a top coat to protect it from the elements.

Eligibility

Submissions will be considered from those who live in Simcoe County, Barrie and Orillia, noting that preference will be given to those from Midland, Penetanguishene, Tay, Tiny and Beausoleil First Nation.

Those selected must have the capability to collect the panels and return completed panels during arranged dates and times.

Evaluation Criteria

Community relevance and impact

Suitability for display in a public space
Responds or corresponds to the installation location
Reflects the town’s heritage/history, culture, and/or natural elements and landscapes
Builds appreciation for public art

Overall quality and authenticity

Originality of design
Intrigues viewers and stimulates imagination
Artist reputation, demonstrated and related experience

​​​Midland Harbour Project

​Murals now installed at Midland Harbour