• In September, 2022, Portuguese art facilitators Lara Seixo Rodrigues and Duarte Cavalinhos spent three days working with local seniors on a mural project for 6240 Main Street.
  • The group, Street Art Seniors of Stouffville (SASS), developed skills in stencilling and other artistic methods utilizing spray paint while learning about the history of street art.
  • The workshop and project was an extension of LATA 65, which aims to bring seniors into an art form typically associated with younger generations while encouraging active aging and intergenerational solidarity.
  • “It is desirable to present these generations with new activities and techniques associated with youth as a way to escape and break routines, generating quality, joviality, and well-being in their lives,” the LATA 65 website explains.
  • SASS included the following local artists: Fanny Anderson, Susan Callon, Kathy Clark, Henrietta Ferreira, Krys Gold, Charlie Hawkins, Arlene Heywood, Glyde Maclennan, Lorraine Majcen, Barbara McKenzie, Ruta Pocauskas, Hilary Price, Geddis Ruttan, Shamsi Shahrokhi, and Lynda Warne.
  • While working on the 6240 Main mural, they also created two separate panels which are now prominently displayed at the Latcham Art Centre.
  • Visitors of the exhibition can learn more about the work, processes involved, and artists’ experiences. A documentary covering the project and its participants is also being played for all to enjoy.
  • “Working together, they developed new connections with one another, surprised themselves by uncovering hidden artistic talents, and shared in the joy of reshaping a piece of their town,” the exhibition’s brochure explains.
  • SASS! opened Friday, July 14, with participating members in attendance. It followed a viewing of the documentary and project Q&A at 19 on the Park.
  • The exhibition brochure includes an interview with SASS! participants and an assortment of process photos, and is available online and in print at the exhibit.
  • The works will be on display at the Latcham Art Centre, located within the Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library, until Saturday, August 19.
  • The SASS mural can be viewed anytime on the western exterior wall of 6240 Main Street.