About the Event
Discover two stunning new art installations at the Main Library, supported in partnership with the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery. Join us for an afternoon celebrating these works of art, meet the talented artists behind them, delve into their creative process, and enjoy some activities including ceramic pendant painting with Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery! Plus, at approximately 2:30pm, hear from representatives of WPL, the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, and the artists themselves!
About the Art & Artists
BLOOM by Suzanne Del Rizzo
BLOOM captures and reflects both the wonder and universal interconnectedness of the natural world and humankind. As flower buds bloom, and leaves and shoots grow and unfurl, sending out new explorative tendrils, insects and birds depend on these blooms for shelter and food to thrive and grow, just as our children grow and explore our world and community- a shared human experience- through family, community and shared connections. This art piece not only reflects these themes but was co-created in this spirit, with community contribution though artist-led public engagement workshops.
BLOOM, an evocative, interwoven textural and colourful gardenscape, consists of 4- 4ft x 6ft wall hangings, hung end to end, creating a seamless 16 ft long artwork, featuring nature inspired ceramic elements which is suspended from recycled cotton braided cording featuring various macrame and knotting techniques. These nature-inspired ceramic elements of flowers, leaves, butterflies, insects and other natural flora and fauna are sculpted and textured by hand, kiln fired and finished using a variety of techniques, such as mason stain, ceramic glaze and acrylic cold finish.
Suzanne Del Rizzo
Suzanne Del Rizzo is a contemporary artist who works in ceramics, fiber, recycled textiles, and sculpture. She is also an awarding winning author-illustrator of children's literature. She captures the wonders of nature by exploring shape, texture and colour in her abstract and dimensional artwork exploring the interplay between the natural world and the universal threads and human experiences which bind and unite us all. Through her art, she seeks to create a sense of connection that transcends language and culture, to remind us of the beauty and wonder of the world around us. Suzanne currently belongs to The Corner Studio in KW
URBAN PULSE by Pamela Rojas
The URBAN PULSE series is about my journey to navigate the Canadian urban landscape. Dominated by grays and cement tones, the colours and vibrancy of city life are often locked in, hidden in the nooks and crannies of urban spaces waiting to be revealed. They are found in alleyways, neighbourhoods, sidewalks, libraries, community centres, and museums; the tucked-away corners where people meet and connect and create community.
The library installation is a whimsical mixed-media mural with ceramic details emulating our city. This collectively imagined and artistically constructed city creates a visualization of what is possible when we take a sustainable approach to urban planning and development.
Pamela Rojas
Pamela Rojas is a visual artist with over 25 years of experience, having lived in four countries on three continents, she successfully brings a fresh perspective of the Latin American mural movement that includes leading groups in community projects, community consultation, and consulting services for private companies/City/Agencies. Being raised in Chile shaped her perspective on social activism and inspired her to develop a naive Folk Art style to explore feminism, integration, social work, identity, and environmental issues in our society. She has been the Artist Director of Creative Space in the Family and Children's Services of Waterloo Region since 2014 and Artist facilitator in Reception House.
Photography Notice: Please note that photographs and videos may be taken at this event and may be broadcast, reproduced, and/or made available in print or online. For individual or small group photos, staff will make attendees aware of their presence and will ask permission before taking photos.
For larger public events, please note that by attending, you are consenting to the use of your appearance, image, and voice in print or digital productions created by the Waterloo Public Library for promotional use only. Please speak to library staff at the event if you’d like to be excluded from any photo/video.
Programmer: Charlie & Julia
