Artists, photographers, and illustrators were invited to submit artwork for a new Community Banner Series in downtown Dresden.
A “call to artists” was posted on Facebook from April 7 to April 30 and shared on various arts and culture sites, with emails sent to various groups and individuals inviting them to participate.
The initiative aimed to showcase local culture, attractions, and events while fostering community pride.
The banners invite both visitors and residents to “Explore Dresden” through visual images.
The website Dresden.ca was prominently featured on the banners to provide more information about Dresden’s offerings.
The Dresden Business Improvement Association collaborated with the Chatham-Kent Hydro One Ward Funding Grant to cover the cost of the banners.
Special appreciation is extended to Councillor Jamie McGrail and Councillor Rhonda Jubenville for their financial support of the project.
Thirty-six original street banners were designed and hung on light poles throughout the town. The project aimed to support both emerging and established artists and photographers. Selected artists received $50 plus HST for each accepted submission. Fabrication and installation costs were covered by the grant.
The banner series highlights perspectives of Dresden through art and photographs reflecting local flavours and shopping experiences while adding vibrant colour and community pride to the streets. Designs included newly created art or photographs, as well as existing works that aligned with the project themes. The themes for the banners were: Beauty and Charm, Stay and Relax, Shop and Stroll, Culture and Attractions, Events and Festivals, and Sip and Savor. The banners will remain on display for approximately three years.
Artists were required to submit high-resolution digital files for up to six designs along with an artist statement. Final selections were made by a public art jury, with approval from the Dresden BIA. A panel of artists and a photographer assisted with the selection process. Pamela Smith-Wilkins from The Studio Art Gallery was the graphic designer, coordinating the color themes and pairing the word banners with the images.
There were close to 30 participants and nearly 50 submissions, which made the selection process challenging. Acknowledgment and a thank you is given to all who submitted art pieces or photographs. The final selection was difficult. There is a plan to hopefully create a collage banner highlighting other entries. Below is a list of the artists and photographers whose images are featured on the banners.
Names of Artists and Photographers whose images were selected for the 2025 Banner Project
Beauty and Charm
Sunrise on River – Photo by Dawne Shaughnessy-Mudford
Butterfly insert on Word Banner – Photo by Dawne Shaughnessy-Mudford
Church – Photo by Cindy Brewer
Barn and Field (Stained Glass) – Artist: Lee Highgate
Culture and Attractions
Josiah Henson Museum (Sack Race insert on Word Banner) – Photo by Steven Cook
Josiah Henson Museum (Cabin) – Photo by Steven Cook
Dresden Raceway (Horse with driver Britt) – Photo by Heather Bedell
Remembrance Day – Artist: Mary Jane Mossop
Events and Festivals
Jackie Wills in concert (insert on Word Banners) – Photo by Jackie Wills
Guitar – Artist: Ruth Driedger
Fire Guy (Facebook Night Market) – Photo by Morena McDonald
Collage of Dresden – Artist: Ruth Ann Pearce
Stroll and Shop
Shoppers (insert on Word Banner) – Photo by Deborah Wilkins
Flag and Garden – Photo
Girl Guides walking in park – Photo
MacTavish Pharmacy – Artist: Donna Jenner
Stay and Relax
Trillium Trail (insert on Word Banner) – Photo by Lynda Weese
Canoe on Sydenham – Photo by Brian Cammaart
Geese – Artist: Ruth Driedger
Monarch Butterfly – Artist: Brianna Rowley
Sip and Savor
Sarah H (insert on Word Banner) – Photo
Chip Co (Food at window) – Photo by Martha Fehr
Pumpkin, Make Me Happy – Photo (Facebook) by Emma Butler
Ice Cream – Terry Fox – Photo
