Popsilos adds two new murals on farm silos to its touristic circuit
The Drouin Farm in Casselman will welcome urban art artist Dodo Ose who will create a mural themed “The sowing” and the Robert and Louise Lalande farm in Alfred will welcome urban art artist Ankh One who will create a mural themed “Vulnerability”. Although the circuit itself remains closed to the general public for the moment, production sites began operations following provincial and federal government issued public health guidelines on June 9, 2020. It’s expected the production period will extend until June 30, 2020. Popsilos has chosen to work with the international urban art agency ASHOP who acted as coproducer during Popsilos’ inaugural production round in 2017. Popsilos is proud to contribute to the continuation of the arts community during this trying time.
“After 20 years of painting in urban areas and continuously thinking of ways to reinvent my work, the Popsilos adventure is what I was looking for. The closeness with the Drouin family and the cultural exchange are for me rather grand as is the fact that I am painting before endless fields and the river. Not only am I painting a canvas (silo), but I am fully living the moment of creation and I can feel a very different energy.”
- Dodo Ose, Artist
“I am happy to be a part of the Popsilos project which brings urban art to a rural setting and excited to paint on an uncommon canvas, in nature. The experience of sharing with farmers makes me appreciate the human rapport which is such an important facet of my artistic practice. Through know-how and team work, a new highly technical, vibrant artwork will come alive.”
- Ankh One, Artist
The farming community welcomed the expansion project with great enthusiasm : 34 silos submissions were received. Farmers are eager to open the door (a very unique one!) to agriculture and Popsilos is inspired by their open minds and their pride in the Prescott-Russell region.
“The Drouin Farm is proud to be a part of the Popsilos circuit. We are fully living the experience of sharing the farm with artist Dodo Ose and we are excited to witness the transformation of our silo into a monumental artwork and share it with the community and visitors.”
- Yves and Denis Drouin, Owners, Drouin Farm
“We always wanted to be a part of the Popsilos circuit because it’s beautiful and it gives life to the farm. We’re happy to showcase it to all travellers on Highway 17!”
- Robert and Louise Lalande, Owners, The Robert and Louise Lalande Farm
$100,000 in support for two new murals has been generously provided by the Government of Canada through the Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF). The fund is delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. Popsilos is grateful for this investment in creating opportunities that let artistic, agricultural and cultural heritage shine in rural regions of Canada.
“We are proud to support Popsilos in the addition of two urban art murals through the Canadian Experiences Fund,” said Francis Drouin, Member of Parliament for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell. “This project will add vibrancy to the beautiful Prescott-Russell countryside landscape and is sure to attract an array of visitors, while showcasing the creative spirit and talent of artists.”
Popsilos is grateful for its local partners: Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co., the St-Albert Cheese Co-op, Lou-Tec Hawkesbury, Prescott-Russell Tourism, the Prescott-Russell Arts Council and l’Union des cultivateurs franco-ontariens.
