Peterborough's Katriona Dean Wins Canada 150 Artist Competition At Lansdowne Place Mall

In celebration of Canada 150, Lansdowne Place and other 20VIC properties across Canada announced a “Call to Artists” in January. In search of an art installation that would reflect Canada’s past, present and/or future, they invited local Canadian artists to create a rendering of a one-of-a-kind installation that, if selected, could be displayed in Centre Court during the month of May and used as a backdrop for their upcoming Canada 150 "Faces of Canada" photo contest.

Out of all the great submissions received, Lansdowne Place has announced that Katriona Dean will be the mall's Canada 150 artist.

Katriona Dean (photo by michael hurcomb)

“I believe that art unites us,” says Katriona. "It brings people together and breaks down barriers. After seeing the Lansdowne Place call for artists, I was compelled to reach out via social media to ask friends and family what they enjoyed most about Canada. The responses were overwhelmingly aligned: 'diversity' and the 'freedom to be oneself'.

With that feedback at the forefront of my mind, I was inspired to create a sculpture that would provide an array of elements from which passersby could choose a unique backdrop for their selfie, ensuring vast and unique entries for the Canada 150 photo contest.”

Katriona hard at work on the installation

Katriona adds: “My recent drive across Canada also gave me a unique and up-close perspective of new and inspiring culture experiences, exposure to the vast Canadian landscapes, and intimate contact with wildlife in their natural habitats. These experiences compelled me to create an entry for the Lansdowne Place’s Canada 150 Art Contest for a chance to showcase Canada in my hometown of Peterborough.”

Lansdowne Place invites the public to join them on Monday, May 1st at 11 a.m., as Katriona unveils her art installation to the community and Lansdowne Place officially begins the Canada 150 festivities with the launch of their Canada 150 “Faces of Canada” Selfie Contest. They'll be celebrating the completion of Katriona’s work by serving up the Canadian favourites you know and love—poutines, Canadian Maple donuts and more!

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