With some Canadian centers heading back into lockdown recently – and with physical distancing still in place – arts groups are getting more creative with the window art theme to allow passers-by to take in art from the sidewalk.

For example, in Hamilton, Ontario, an arts collaborative is asking locals to become part of a neighborhood window art installation that will begin in February 2021. The project, deLight Fest 2021, encourages artists to display what they’ve created during the pandemic from their home windows using a monitor or projection screen.

The hope is that residents in the urban and surrounding areas of Hamilton will take part (through an application), and a map of the confirmed installations will be posted closer to the event, says the group.

“Part of the purpose of this event is to make people aware of the artists and creatives living in their own neighbourhoods, to increase community support for them and reveal what art and creativity can do to enhance quality of life (for both artists and people experiencing the art),” notes Elizabeth Seidl, one of the deLight Fest organizers.

Hamilton deLight Fest Taking Window Art to the Next Level

There will be another element to the neighborhood window art project, namely a curated public event, partnering with local landmark Westinghouse HQ. The event from Feb. 22 to 28 (7 to 9 p.m.) will feature a series of screenings and installations in the windows of the building’s top floors to make it more visible from a distance.

The videos and installation work at this event from established and emerging local artists includes a projection of Tree, a 2006 video by Shelley Niro (in partnership with the Art Gallery of Hamilton.) Ingrid Mayrhofer, who has been part of organizing the deLight festival since 2017, will show a video entitled He Looked Around and Everyone Nodded that “observes the early morning light from the bathroom window.”

Meanwhile, the Hamilton Aerial Group will perform Flock using shadow puppetry and human figures in silhouette. Other prominent local artists are featured, including Klyde Broox who will deliver a “video poem” using a series of monitors.

The organizers say artists for the Westinghouse portion will be compensated, and that sponsors and donors will also be acknowledged.

Using Technology to Enhance Window Art

About an hour away in Canada’s largest city, Toronto, there’s another public window art display – that comes with a twist. The first Window Wonderland event presented by MEDS Junction Pharmacy is already underway, allowing people to enjoy window art installations in Toronto’s Junction neighborhood.

Billed as an “immersive urban art-walk,” the exhibition that runs until Jan. 31, 2021, involves local artists and animators that transformed 10 storefronts into art. However, notes a press release on the event, the works are enhanced by the use of augmented reality using the Augle AR app that will make the static images into digital animations when a mobile device is pointed at them.

The organizers say the project is in partnership with Calgary-based Buds Collective (where there’s a link to the Augle app), “that provides local artists and makers with opportunities, visibility, fair compensation and access to tools and resources.” It also notes the Junction BIA received $25,000 towards the project from the City of Toronto’s Innovation Fund.

The exhibition starts at the neighborhood’s Pacific Wall Mural and guides art lovers who follow flags to discover the 10 interactive window art displays, notes the release. 

“Window Wonderland is bringing our eclectic neighbourhood to life and giving families a great reason to get outside this winter. Our goal is to support local artists, shops and businesses during the colder months with a safe and magical experience that all Torontonians will enjoy,” notes Carol Jolly, executive director of the Junction BIA (Business Improvement Area.)

Know of any other great window art projects in Canada (or around the world)? Let us know in the comments below!