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The Voice of Wasaga Beach Since 2010 Locally Owned and Operated | November 2023 | Complimentary Issue | No. 209
Wasaga Beach Remembers Pages 6 & 18
Firefighters Recognized Page 6
Local Artists
Bring Vibrant Transformations to Wasaga Beach Skate Park With the new murals, local artists (l-r) Francesca Mary Vitale, Shandelle Page McCurdie & Alex Kostecka-Silva
Wasaga Beach's Skate Park has received a vibrant addition thanks to three local artists: Francesca Mary Vitale, Shandelle Page McCurdie & Alex Kostecka-Silva. Not only have they breathed new life into this beloved community space, but they've also shared their personal journeys and insights on the profound impact of community art.
Shandelle passionately champions the role of art within a community as a unifying force and a source of vitality in public spaces. She originally became involved in the skate park project following a call to artists in 2021, and more recently, she had the opportunity to refresh a mural with an exciting new design. Shandelle's artistry can be admired in various locations, including Midland and Collingwood.
Francesca Mary Vitale, a Wasaga Beach native since the tender age of 4, is a young artist whose love for the craft has deep roots. "I don't know how or exactly when I got into it," Francesca reminisces, "I just remember always doing it." Her involvement in the community project blossomed from a conversation with Alex, culminating in a plan to execute her first mural. What sets Francesca's art apart is its undeniable uniqueness, from her unconventional font choices to her fearless and bold use of colours. She firmly believes that community art is a powerful means of expressing the culture of a place, and her skate park mural vividly captures the edgy style of skate culture. As for what's on the horizon, she envisions painting a mural at Collingwood Collegiate Institute to represent the students.
Alex Kostecka-Silva, who relocated to Wasaga Beach from Toronto in 2006, has come to appreciate the untapped potential of this picturesque town. Her profound love for art has been a lifelong passion, and it led her to eagerly accept the chance to create public art for the skate park. Alex's artistry is characterized by a unique graphic and illustrative style, rooted in her background in digital design. Her commitment to community and public art is underpinned by her desire to enhance the town's visual appeal and nurture community pride. Looking ahead, Alex aspires to play a more significant role in developing Wasaga Beach's public art sector, offering opportunities for emerging artists.
Shandelle Page McCurdie, who moved to Wasaga Beach in 2019 to immerse herself in the natural beauty of Georgian Bay, has since fallen in love with our beach town. Growing up in a household filled with creativity, she pursued art studies at Sheridan College and now operates a thriving creative business.
These artists have not only reinvigorated the Wasaga Beach skate park with their diverse styles and backgrounds, but have also emphasized the profound significance of community art. As they continue their creative journeys, we can eagerly anticipate further remarkable transformations in Wasaga Beach's public spaces.