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Youth making their mark on Barrie’s waterfront

The Ping Pong Table Project will see Barrie youth come up with a creative design for the table, which will be permanently installed on Centennial Beach

Posted by BarrieToday.com | Aug. 2, 2018

Do you have a teenager who’s good with a paintbrush?

The MacLaren Art Centre wants to hear from you.

The City of Barrie and the MacLaren Art Centre have partnered for a unique art project at Barrie’s waterfront, and are looking for creative youth to help.

“Art is one of the first things we learn how to do and we can really take authority over,” says Tyler Durbano, a local artist who lives in Barrie. “In terms of this project, its a way of taking that knowledge and applying it to something that has a public spotlight and appeal.”

“It shows that creativity has value and is needed.”

The Ping Pong Table Project will see youth from the area design and paint vibrant and imaginative designs on the surface of a permanent table installation at Centennial Beach.

Durbano tends to focus on sculpture but also dabbles in oil painting, photo and video and performance. He, along with Christina Mancuso, education officer at the MacLaren Art Centre, will be overseeing the project.

The project will take place over six Wednesdays in August and September and started this week with the planning process.

“I think (art is) really important because it builds a sense of community,” says Mancuso. “It gives young artists an opportunity where they can learn from professionals. They can take their skills and apply them to a project that has high visibility and enhances our lives.”

The workshops take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 8, 15, 22, 29 and Sept. 5. They are open to all youth and no experience is necessary. Workshops count for community hours.

https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/youth-making-their-mark-on-barries-waterfront-1004006