Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Parks, store fronts, shopping carts-perhaps even a car wash-are all possible locations one might score a free work of art on March 12.
Anyone who happens to find a wrapped up work of art on that day anywhere throughout Greater Napanee can take it home-free of charge, all part of International Art and Found Day, which is happening in communities all across the world.
“Art and Found Day is a global event set on March 12,” explains Lisa Ray Koenig, the artist behind Groovy Cats and one of a handful of Napanee artists that will be taking part. “The cool thing about it is right now there’s close to 700 artists over 38 countries participating.”
As an added bonus, it provides a neat little incentive for people to get outside and active in mid March.
“You can find all kinds of treasures from paintings to maybe some sort of artisan type jewellery,” said Koenig. “It depends on what the artist has to offer.”
Each item will be wrapped and indicate it is free to a good home with the hashtag Art and Found-and comes with a card containing info about the artist. Along with a short bio about the artist, the card will share links to see more of their work. If they’re so inclined, those that find one of the free art pieces are encouraged to share a photo to social media to further promote the artist.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to learn about the art community in Napanee,” said Koenig. “Napanee has a really large art community and it’s a great way to get our voices out there.”
The concept of Art and Found was created seven years ago by Toronto artist Courtney Senior. She would hide art work around her neighbourhood and encourage people who found them to take them home. Since then it has grown to an international movement. This will mark the third year artists from Greater Napanee have taken part.