The Paris Independent
11
December 9, 2023
COMMUNITY NEWS Artist Taryn Henry creates stunning mural inspired by Blue Herons along the Grand River By Chris Whelan A captivating artwork by artist Taryn Henry is drawing attention and admiration in Downtown Paris. Inspired by the grace and beauty of blue herons found along the Grand River, Henry's mural has become a symbol of artistic expression and nature's influence on the local community. The mural, created as part of the #MainStreetArtChallenge and the I HeART Main Street Program, is a perfect example of how public art can revitalize spaces and foster a deep connection with the community. The program, presented in partnership with STEPS and RBC through RBC Emerging Artists, aims to support Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) across Canada in transforming their main streets into vibrant cultural destinations. To bring her vision to life, Henry embarked on a process that involved immersing herself in nature along the Grand River, allowing her to form a profound connection with the surroundings. This connection, in turn, guided her intuitive approach to painting the mural, resulting in a stunning representation of the elegance and majesty of blue herons. "I wanted to capture the essence of the blue herons that grace the Grand River," Henry explained.
"By spending time in their habitat, I was that engage artists from equity-deserving able to tap into their energy and translate communities or their artist network. This it onto the mural. It's a tribute to the financial support ensures that artists are beauty of nature and the importance of compensated fairly for their work and preserving it." encourages collaboration with talented The I HeART Main Street Program is individuals from diverse backgrounds. committed to supporting BIAs in their Furthermore, the program offers awards efforts to bring public art to their and recognition to BIAs that demonstrate communities. Through the program, exceptional creativity, innovation, and BIAs receive pro-bono creative community engagement. Prizes, awarded placemaking and public art services from by a committee of local cultural and STEPS, including tailored coaching and business leaders, include both monetary assistance with logistics planning. In and in-kind support to realize future addition, they gain access to a network main street placemaking projects. of multidisciplinary artists and creatives The mural by Taryn Henry, with its who can help bring their ideas to life. homage to the blue herons of the Grand "We believe that BIAs and local River, serves as a testament to the businesses are the heart of our transformative power of public art. It communities," said a spokesperson for stands as a visual reminder of the the I HeART Main Street Program. importance of preserving nature and the "Public art has the power to unite profound connection between art and communities, boost tourism, and create community. safe and welcoming public spaces. Our To learn more about the I HeART Main program seeks to empower BIAs and Street Program and how it supports BIAs municipalities to transform their main across Canada, visit their official streets into colorful canvases that reflect website: https://stepspublicart.org/ithe unique spirit of their communities." heart-main-street-bia-program The I HeART Main Street Program also provides artist fee subsidies for BIAs
Taryn Henry is drawing attention and admiration in Downtown Paris with this mural she painted, inspired by the grace of the Blue Herons on the Grand River. Photo credit Dean Ellis
