Editor’s Letter: Supporting local art during the COVID-19 era

By Maureen McEwan

Dear readers, 

I hope that this letter finds you well and that you are enjoying the ward’s warmer weather. 

The June edition had a focal point emerge as it came together: art. We had the great opportunity to reconnect with a few local artists and organizations working to create and support artwork in Kitchissippi.

The first installment of the Hintonburg Community Association anti-racism art series has been completed on the Bell utility box at the corner of Parkdale and Wellington. We spoke with artist Kseniya Tsoy about her artwork and its pro-immigrant message. 

This spring, Claudia Salguero was awarded the Peter Honeywell Mid-Career Artist Award from the Ottawa Arts Council. Salguero is a multidisciplinary, Columbian-born Canadian artist and she’s created over 35 murals across the city. We caught up with Salguero and even got to see what she’s working on next. 

We checked in with the Westboro Beach Community Association to learn what’s on the horizon. The organization fundraised enough money for a mural to be painted this summer and it’s bringing on two high school students to lead the creative project. 

And here’s what else is happening in community news: 

On May 16, 72-year-old Michael Baine walked a half-marathon, raising over $66,000 for the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre. He chose the race date intentionally. Last year (May 16, 2020), Baine began showing symptoms of stage 4 prostate cancer. We spoke with him about his journey over the last year and his determination to keep helping others. 

Wedel – Touch of Europe opened its second location in Westboro on May 21 and the new business was vandalized within a day. We heard from owner Justyna Borowska and Westboro Village BIA Executive Director Judy Lincoln about the incident and how the store is working to recover with support from the community. 

Charity Bartlett stepped down as president of the Carlington Community Association in late May after nearly a decade with the organization. She spoke with us about her departure and some of her fondest memories from her favourite event. 

Stephanie Hylarides spoke with us for this month’s Humans of Kitchissippi feature. The local mom of four started up a custom-made clothing business during the pandemic (@.while.babies.sleep), and it’s become very popular in just a matter of months. 

Early Days picks up where it left off with part two of the history of Kitchissippi’s first Jewish residents. This month, the article looks at the growth of the community during the 20th century. 

And in case you need a smile, we’ve got a bright set of outdoor community photos for you. 

And that’s all the news that’s fit to print. 

Stay safe, Kitchissippi, and enjoy the sunshine whenever you can.