Inspiring residents with window art

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This article was published 03/04/2020 (2058 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Residents across Winnipeg are trying to brighten up their neighborhoods. That includes residents in the southwest who are painting their windows, and putting up art, and posting them online in the Winnipeg Window Gallery on Facebook.

Those in the West End, Transcona and St. James are organizing Neighborhood Window Walks, where residents put up artwork or decorations based on a theme every week.

The Neighborhood Window Walks are part of a national movement, started by a teacher in Ottawa, as a way to keep kids happy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Craig Glennie, a St. James-Assiniboia school trustee, is encouraging residents to take part.

“We know that physical activity helps children learn, that’s why we have recesses (at school.) It’s just getting the basics in, fresh air, physical activity,” Glennie said. “With kids staying at home, we understand the burden it’s putting on parents. By getting everyone out for a walk, it helps them change the setting, and helps with their mental health.”

Glennie put the call out on March 25 on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He said many residents have joined in on the fun.

Maggie Cox, a West End resident, set up the Winnipeg Window Gallery page on Facebook.

“I thought that was a great way to possibly make someone pause and smile if they saw art in a window,” she said. “It’s a great way for Winnipeg to come together. Art is universal, it’s for everyone and can be done by anyone.”

Carol Cassell, a Transcona resident, noticed posts on the group page requesting a map of window art. Having mapped Halloween and Christmas decorations in Transcona for a number of years using Google Maps, Cassell volunteered.

“It’s something I can do easily to help people get through these exceptional times,” she said. “Even if 10 people use the map to travel around and enjoy themselves, that’s joy I have spread to 10 people.”

Anyone who wants their window added can message Cox or email her at winnipegwindowgallery@gmail.com with their address or the nearest intersection and she will pin it to the map, found online on Google maps at https://bit.ly/34ae2WH