The City of Pickering marked a significant milestone in its 25th anniversary celebrations with the unveiling of specially curated art banners, now prominently displayed on the exteriors of Pickering City Hall and the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex (CHDRC).
Designed by local illustrator, Taylor De Nobraga, the installations offer a powerful visual tribute to Pickering’s evolution – from a small town to one of Canada’s most livable cities.
“This piece tells the story of my home,” De Nobrega stated in a news release. “It reflects how the community has shaped my upbringing and how it continues to shape the Pickering we know and love today.”
The banners commemorate Pickering’s designation as a City on January 1, 2000, and are part of a broader initiative to inspire civic pride and encourage community engagement. They will remain on display at City Hall for one year, and at the CHDRC for up to three years.
“This installation thoughtfully reflects Pickering’s evolution, diversity, and strong sense of community,” said Mayor Kevin Ashe. “As we honour our past and look to the future, I’m proud to see our City’s story so powerfully and beautifully expressed through this remarkable piece of art.”
Titled ‘On the Path Forward,’ the artwork captures Pickering’s unique identity, including its rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and inclusive, vibrant core.
“This piece tells the story of my home,” said artist, Taylor De Nobrega. “It reflects how the community has shaped my upbringing and how it continues to shape the Pickering we know and love today.”
The project was commissioned through the City’s Public Art Program and underwent a rigorous selection process, including a public call to artists, community consultation, jury review, and final endorsement by the Cultural Advisory Committee.
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About the artist, Taylor De Nobraga
Taylor De Nobrega is a talented illustrator born and raised in Pickering, Ontario. She began her career as a background painter in animation, where she honed her skills in visual storytelling and location design. A passion has marked her artistic journey for using environments to transport viewers into the narratives she creates. Taylor’s work often explores the idea that every individual, human or animal, leaves behind a history that is embedded in the world around them. She skillfully weaves color, light, and shapes together to immerse her audience in the places she depicts, telling the stories of those who have lived through them.
The banners will remain on display at city hall for one year and at the complex for up to three years.
[ Visit De Nobraga’s ] website at TAYLOR ]
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