Main St. Unionville Public Art Program Artist Talk

On Saturday, March 15, 2025, artists Nestor Kruger and Patrick Cruz—whose proposals were selected for the Main Street Unionville Public Art Program, part of the larger restoration project along this historic street—gave an artist talk at the Varley Art Gallery of Markham to introduce their proposals.

Drawing on the layered local history and ecological features of Main Street Unionville and the Rouge River system, Kruger’s proposal takes shape as a series of functional elements—tree grates, tree guards, and fencing—that enhance the public realm and contribute to the street’s revitalization.

Cruz’s proposal envisions a painted pathway created through a participatory process involving local materials and community engagement. This pathway not only links the business core to the Rouge Valley Trail system—an integral element in shaping Markham’s urban landscape—but also offers a viewing experience considerate of both human and non-human species.

During the talk, the artists shared insights into the inspirations and design concepts behind their proposals in the context of their broader artistic practices. Markham Public Art Curator Yan Wu also presented the overarching vision and themes of the program, which aims to foster a cohabitated environment for all.

For more information about the Main Street Unionville Public Art Program and the competitions through which the proposals were selected, please visit: https://www.yourvoicemarkham.ca/publi....