Celebrate King Project
Whispering Canvasses
By Patti Skrypek
Patrons of the King City Public Library may notice something new the next time they enter the library to browse the shelves or settle into a cozy reading nook. Vibrant works of art now adorn the stairwell walls, blending creativity with functionality in a project that brings together local artists and acoustic science.
The idea for the project began last year when library staff noticed an increase in noise levels due to the growing attendance driven by visitors, study groups, and community meetings. While libraries are no longer the silent spaces of decades past, managing sound effectively remains crucial. As a result, an acoustical study was commissioned, and one of the key recommendations was to install sound-baffling panels in the library. The issue was brought to the King Township Public Library Board’s Advocacy and Fundraising Committee (AFC), and the idea of Celebrate King, an acoustic art installation, was born.
“We looked into traditional acoustic treatments, but they often have an institutional look that didn’t align with the warm, creative energy we wanted at the beautiful new King City library,” explained Rose Grimaldi, chair of the AFC. “That’s when we realized—why not incorporate art and leverage King’s brilliant artists in the endeavour?”
The committee put out a call for submissions, inviting local artists and/or members of Arts Society King to contribute artwork images that, if selected, would be printed on high-quality acoustic panels. The response was overwhelming, with 39 artists submitting 109 pieces of art! All submissions were required to meet the Celebrate King theme – representing landscapes, barns, horses, buildings, local wildlife, etc. – the true DNA of King Township!
A Selection Committee carefully reviewed the submissions, not knowing the identities of each submitting artist. It was both a fair and a difficult process as, although each submission was highly worthy in its own way, there were only 34 spots to fill. Each submission received a score between 0 and 5 by each of the Selection Committee members, and the submissions with the highest scores were chosen.
Once the final 34 submissions were selected, both the artists and their artwork were professionally photographed by Lisa Pace, proprietor of Lisa Pace Photography. “Seeing the beauty and talent of this artwork was awe-inspiring,” said Lisa. “I can’t wait to see these beautiful pieces “blown up” on the library walls.”
One of the featured artists, Susan Walker-Ing, said the project was a unique opportunity to merge her passion for visual storytelling with a public space that serves people of all ages. “I was so pleased that two of my submissions were chosen. Both paintings depict the Holland Marsh which is an important region in King Township and there’s a story behind each of them. I love the idea that my work is not only being seen but is also contributing to a better experience for library visitors.”
Another artist, Joe Trimmeliti, who contributed three nature-inspired pieces, said he is thrilled to see his work displayed in a setting where it could be enjoyed daily. “I wanted my pieces to bring a sense of calm,” Joe said. “Libraries are close to my heart having worked at the Toronto Public Library for 15 years. They are a place of escape for so many people, and I hope my work adds to that feeling.”
Beyond the artistic contributions, the Celebrate King acoustic art installation was made possible thanks to a grant from the Mayor Steve Pellegrini 2024 Golf Tournament. “I am so happy to be able to use funds from the golf tournament to support this beautiful and functional project. Good acoustics aren’t just about keeping noise down; they’re about making spaces more comfortable and functional for everyone.”
“Since opening, usage of the new King City branch has grown to an average of 275 visitors per day. The community visits their library for many reasons: gathering for group assignments or discussions, children’s activities, meeting with tutors, quiet study and reading, to find a book, or to just be with others,” said Adele Reid, Chief Executive Officer of the King Township Public Library. “The panels will help tone down excess noise so that everyone can enjoy their activities without disturbing others. This has been a great way to feature local artists while improving the library experience.”
“Further,” says Adele, “I would like to thank and recognize the efforts of the King Township Public Library Board and AFC committee members Rose Grimaldi, Patti Skrypek and Daniela Donadio as well as Richard Marejka for their dedication and hard work. These volunteers spent countless hours bringing this art installation to life.”
Artists will be featured on an artist recognition wall in the Library with a QR code directing patrons to a website that provides more information on each artist and a link to their social media platforms. The installation will remain in the library for a period of five years.
The complex design of Celebrate King was created by community member Richard Marejka. He not only designed the four-wall layout and the artist recognition wall, he also created a 3-D version of the installation to allow artists to envision the final product. “Designing this project was like putting together a giant puzzle. It took a few iterations until we got it right but the final result came together beautifully and patrons of the library will love the new gallery space.”
Everyone in the community is invited to the official unveiling of the Celebrate King acoustic art installation at the King City Public Library, 1970, King Road, King City, on Thursday, June 19, from 7 to 9 pm. The event will feature a welcome address from Mayor Steve Pellegrini, a meet-and-greet with the artists, a slide show featuring all of the submissions and a discussion on how the project came together.
“With these new panels, we’ve taken another step toward making the library a place where art, learning, and community truly come together,” added Rose. “It’s art with a purpose.”
Link to Mosaic article
Link to pdf on artists