Engaging with art is an incredibly rewarding, inspiring & connective experience - especially when you're creating it! We're thrilled to offer the community opportunities to help create temporary public art. Through open calls for expressions of interest, professional artists are commissioned to design innovative & interactive art pieces that will live outdoor, near the Silk Purse for a limited time. Whether murals or sculptures, these works of art aren't complete until you add your creative touch. Everyone is welcome to join in the art making process; engaging the artwork & it's themes; learning some artistic skills; exploring your creativity; & connecting with community.

Rising Tides

August 4-September 2, 2022

North Shore artists Dolores Altin & Elvira Monteforte have conceived & designed a work of interactive temporary public art that will inspire dialogue on the impacts of climate change on coastal communities through a collaborative building process. Altin & Monteforte have constructed a domed sculpture near the waterfront in John Lawson Park made from ethically harvested willow representing the ideas of ‘home’ & ‘sanctuary’, surrounded by vertical panels representing rising sea levels.

Community Collaborations

Every weekend throughout August the community was invited to participate in the completion of the artwork by weaving materials such as willow, to build up, reinforce & decorate the installation.

Through collaboration & dialogue participants were inspired to reflect on the threat of rising sea levels to waterfront communities, what we can do mitigate C02 emissions, all while experiencing the spark of creativity unleashed in art making. 

About the Artists

Dolores Altin & Elvira Monteforte are a team of multi-media artists who are also place-makers, engaging in visual & environmental art. Over the past 3 years, they have brought their extensive individual experience & skills in art & design together to create community driven art projects with people of all ages, making art accessible & fun. They have participated in several art residencies & have extensive experience working with youth & adults of all ages. 

Environmentalists at heart, Dolores & Elvira are inspired by the unique characteristics of each location & with cultural overlays often carrying environmental messages. The duo's 2D & 3D visual art is fun, often colourful & abstract, but can also be very practical in unifying public spaces. Their designs are site specific, place-based, & inclusive, often using natural & recycled materials.