CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF MYTHS AND MIRRORS
Myths and Mirrors is a local community arts group here in Sudbury that has been working to create beautiful works of art and explore social issues for twenty years now! A feat for any organization, they stand as one of the longest-running community arts organizations in Canada! You can catch them hosting workshops in their Durham St office, stilt-walking at events, and lending a creative hand at Northern Lights Festival Boréal and Up Here – there’s just no stopping this craftivist group! We got in touch with Cora-Rae Silk of Myths and Mirrors to learn more about the organization and what we can look forward to in their next 20 years!
‘We are here’ mural 2012
Myths and Mirrors just celebrated 20 years, what an accomplishment! Tell us a bit about the organization and some of the projects you’ve worked on over the years?
Yes, we started in 1996 as a three-year project with Better Beginnings, Better Futures to bring free, community-based arts programming to residents of the Donovan-Flour Mill neighbourhood. Now, more than 20 years later, we’re one of the longest-running community arts organizations in the country.
Our first project, ‘A Show of Hands,’ was created to celebrate the success of the ‘Save the Mountain’ campaign where residents of the Donovan-Flour Mill came together to halt development of the Kathleen-Morin Hilltop. Over 400 community members contributed to ‘A Show of Hands,’ which is now permanently installed in the Mackenzie Branch Library.
Over the years, our projects have tackled issues relating to poverty, the environment, precarious work, youth alienation, mental health, and sexual and gender identities. Since the beginning, Myths and Mirrors has aimed to help marginalized communities develop a voice on issues that are important to them so all our projects try to reflect that tradition.
Where can we find some of Myth’s and Mirrors community projects?
Well, a lot of people know us for our murals. Our first mural – the ‘Respect Mural’ – was done in 2001 and can still be seen behind the YMCA. Other murals that can still be seen around town include ‘What Lies Beneath’ in the pedestrian underpass on Elgin St., ‘We Are Here’ at the corner of Mackenzie and Kathleen, and ‘Realms of the Earth’ in the community garden behind Cosmic Dave’s in the Donovan.
You might’ve also seen our stilt-walking troupe at Canada Day celebrations in Bell Park, Northern Lights Festival Boréal, Up Here, and other community events throughout the summer. And like I said, our first project, ‘A Show of Hands,’ can be seen at the Mackenzie Branch Library. You can also watch a video about ‘A Show of Hands’ on YouTube.
What projects do you have planned for the future?
Our 5th annual Dance-a-thon is coming up on May 27th. It’s basically a 12-hour dance party to help raise money to support Myths and Mirrors programming and it’s always a lot of fun. And then in addition to our current programs, Artistes Trans Artistry (ATA) and Project ArmHer, we have some exciting projects in development for the spring and summer. We’re really hoping to push the envelope this year so stay tuned!
How can Sudburians get involved with Myths and Mirrors?
We’re actually hosting a series of spring art-making workshops, our next event is March 28th. They’re free, child-friendly, and everyone is welcome to attend, create some spring-themed art, and learn more about Myths and Mirrors.
You can also drop us a line at mythsandmirrors@gmail.com or (705) 222-1305.
Where can we find more information about Myths & Mirrors?
Visit our website at mythsandmirrors.org or connect with us on Facebook!
The Chalkboard Gallery 2016
Jessica Lovelace
Jessica Lovelace is a Public Relations and Communications grad, musical theatre enthusiast, lover of live music and part-time unicorn tamer. Some have said that the Big Dripper from Sub City is a regional delicacy and the perfect end to a Sudbury Saturday Night – Jessica is definitely one of those people. No, the hair is not a perm.
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