The City of Oshawa began collaborating with Durham College’s Community Collaborations Course in 2015. Over the past four years, student's work has been showcased in three murals located at Civic Square (located on Centre Street at City Hall), vinyl images affixed to the windows of the Arts Resource Centre, and in Alexandra Park adjacent to Lakeridge Health Oshawa as well as inside the hospital. For the 2019/2020 project, we will be choosing locations in our Community Centres and Oshawa Seniors Community Centres.
Becoming In Every Season
This illustration explores growth, nourishment, and connection, drawing on the shared symbolism of the kitchen and dining table, garden and forest. At the heart of the piece is a table, representing not only a place to gather but also shelter and support, its legs rooted deeply into the ground. Above and below, the roots of many different plants intertwine, symbolizing stability, community, and chosen family. From these roots grow a variety of edible flowers, vegetables, and fruits commonly grown in Ontario. They climb upward, from cooking and serving pieces. The growth overwhelms and dishes tip, topple, spill and drip intentionally as a quiet rebellion against the pressure of perfectionism that can make a home feel tense or unwelcoming. Instead, the composition celebrates abundance, sharing, comfort, and natural imperfection.
A butterfly crowns the composition as a symbol of transformation and renewal, honouring Denise Penny, who is connected to the symbolism of butterflies. Its presence connects the past and present, paying tribute to her memory and legacy. The butterfly’s appearance is inspired by one I spotted after a walkabout visit to The Denise House. The scene around the table also celebrates more than shared meals, it honors the intellectual and imaginative conversations that can happen in safe, supportive spaces. In communal gathering, there is not only nourishment for the body but also room for minds to meet, to dream, and to share stories and possibilities.
Throughout the scene, seasonal transitions unfold from left to right. Winter shifting into spring, summer, and fall. Star constellations fade into snow, melt into rain, give way to sunshine, and finally become falling leaves. Raindrops transform into seeds, sprouting new life underground. Even in the snow, small flowers push through, a reminder of renewal and unexpected beginnings. The colours follow the seasons, emphasizing the movement from cold, darker winter tones toward the warmth and light of spring. This shift symbolizes hope, healing, and the invitation to gather and grow together.
I hope the imagery and intention speak to the spirit of the Denise House, a place where resilience and new growth can flourish, even in the most unexpected seasons of life.
Turning The Wheel Mural
Installed on the McMillan Parkade, located at 110 King Street West in downtown Oshawa.
I created this mural to honour the history of the John Borlase Mill and its connection to nature and community in Oshawa. The stars, constellations, and colour palette were inspired by the sky over King Street and the mill’s surroundings. Local landmarks, like the Botanical Gardens’ sculptures, are reflected in the design, inviting viewers to engage with the mural as both a teaching tool and a backdrop for memorable moments.
To extend the mural’s impact, I’m selling prints to raise funds for Simcoe Hall Settlement House. All proceeds, beyond printing, packaging and shipping costs, will be donated. I'm grateful to the City of Oshawa, local residents, and the Oshawa Museum for their support in bringing this vision to life.
SUSO Skate Interior Installations
I enjoyed illustrating a series of pieces for SUSO Skate's current location at the Oshawa Centre. The fun didn’t stop with the artwork—I’ve had a lot of fun lacing up and skating with my son, teaching him how to use quad skates in a space that is both nostalgic and sensory-rich. SUSO (short for Summer Solstice) was created during lockdown as a way to bring people together through roller skating, transforming underused spaces into vibrant, memory-making pop-ups. Their mission is to get people moving and connected. I am thrilled to be able to contribute to the atmosphere of the SUSO skate space through my artwork.
Pickering Village
175th Anniversary Blacksmith Banners
I was honoured to create a series of illustrations for the 175th anniversary of the Greenwood Blacksmith Shop at Pickering Museum Village. The artwork celebrates the legacy of blacksmithing in Pickering—its impact on farming, sport, commerce, and community identity.
With guidance from public feedback and museum staff, I created seven illustrations that highlight both well-known and lesser-known blacksmith stories, including the work of artist Bill Lishman. It was deeply rewarding to see this series displayed both on-site and along Kingston Road, offering the community new entry points into its own history.
Please visit the City of Pickering website to the full project description, my Artist Statement as well as process descriptions for individual pieces.
Pickering Banner Series:
Culture and Creativity, Learning and Innovation, Community and History
I was commissioned by the City of Pickering to create a series of three illustrated banner designs. These banners were developed to visually reflect and celebrate Pickering’s vibrant community. Each design focused on a key theme: culture and creativity, learning and innovation, and community and history. My role as the illustrator involved transforming these themes into visually engaging, text-involved designs. The banners are located along Kingston Road in Pickering.
