Chairing is Caring Legacy Benches
A Benchmark of Interconnection
Artist Omar ‘Oms’ Hopkinson
With a mission to leverage his creative career as a conduit to amplify the voices of the unheard, Omar was excited to be selected to paint a legacy bench for the Chairing is Caring initiative. Omar’s bench celebrates the energy and power that comes from an inclusive community. His artwork emphasizes the interconnectedness of diverse peoples, nature and the calmness we can find in a busy world when we approach things spiritually versus transactionally.
This bench will be permanently installed in the parkette on the east side of Hamilton St. N., just south of John Street.
Remembering our Roots
Artist Susan Pennie
Susan works for the BIA and flirts with paint and textiles in her spare time. Susan values the BIA’s partnership with the Waterdown Legion and loves that the Farmers’ Market has become a central community hub on Saturday mornings. She donated her time to paint a chair honouring the unique relationship between the Legion and our community’s agricultural roots. The chair features fields of poppies in remembrance of those who serve, with a nod to the orchards and gardens that used to grow in the area, and that still flourish in surrounding rural areas.
This painted chair will be permanently on display on the Legion grounds.
Still Waters, Shared Roots
Artist Effy
This bench design is inspired by the peaceful landscape of Smokey Hollow Falls. It highlights the balance between the steady flow of the waterfall and the calm of the surrounding greenery.
Small details, like the Ontario Trillium, are included as a symbol of unity and the diversity within the community. The bench is meant to offer a quiet moment of reflection and a connection to the natural beauty of the area.
Effy was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this initiative and to create a piece that celebrates both the natural and communal spirit of Waterdown.
