The Great Beaver Quest

Artist Statement: This sculpture explores connection through the visual language of my ancestors, to represent movement, resilience, and our deep relationship to land and one another. At its center, is the “heart berry,” symbolizing renewal, love, and a return to what grounds us; reminding us of our shared humanity. Interwoven with global flags, the work reflects the FIFA World Cup’s identity as a place of diverse stories, unified through culture, connection, and collective experience.

Artist Bio: Monica Loney is a Métis visual artist based in Ontario, known for her continuous-line practice and public art that blends technical precision with community storytelling. Rooted in interconnectedness, her work invites viewers into a reflective, meditative experience while fostering dialogue and connection. Recognized with the City of Barrie’s Emerging Artist Award (2022) and an Ontario Community Changemakers Grant (2024), Monica continues to create impactful, community-driven work that strengthens belonging through accessible public art.

Instagram: @beautifully.monica

Artist Statement: This design draws inspiration from traditional Zellige Mosaics found in Algerian architecture. Zellige is a geometric composition created by assembling small ceramic pieces. Each piece is small and distinct on its own, yet together they form a balanced and cohesive whole. This structure symbolizes how different elements can come together in harmony. For this reason, the zellige form became the foundation of the design. The rhythm and balance created by the combination of colors and shapes reflect Algeria’s rich decorative and architectural traditions. By applying this pattern onto a three-dimensional surface, the traditional zellige composition is reinterpreted to follow the sculptural form of the beaver, transforming the sculpture into a living architectural surface.

Artist Bio: Pelin Akdas is a multidisciplinary artist based in Toronto and originally trained in Turkey. Her practice brings together painted surfaces, mural applications, and the transformation of everyday objects. Working on three-dimensional forms and surfaces in museum and public-space contexts, she explores the relationship between color, pattern, and material. Drawing inspiration from traditional motifs and decorative arts,  Akdas reinterprets these visual languages on contemporary surfaces. Through a hands-on, craft-based approach, her work seeks to build a bridge between cultural heritage and modern design.

Artist Statement: El Gaucho Beaver celebrates Argentine culture through recognizable symbols, traditional attire, and storytelling. The beaver wears a poncho, one of Argentina’s most iconic garments, painted in light blue and white. The folds follow the form of the sculpture, creating movement as the fabric wraps around the body while emphasizing its three-dimensional shape. The face is painted like a true soccer fan, featuring the national colours and a reference to the Sol de Mayo. Gaucho pants and a pampa inspired patterned belt complete the look, grounding the character in Argentina’s gaucho traditions.

The poncho is pulled back to reveal a tattoo of Messi kissing the World Cup trophy, along with three stars on the left arm. Positioned on the side of the sculpture, this detail acts as a small discovery for viewers who walk around the piece. This piece is a playful but respectful tribute to Argentina, bringing together tradition and soccer in a way that invites the audience to explore the sculpture from every angle.

Artist Bio: Elena Dri is a Canadian-Argentine artist, designer, and illustrator based in Toronto, with experience working in Argentina, Europe, and Canada. Her work centers on animals, bringing out their individual personalities often in a playful way. She works primarily in watercolour and acrylic on a variety of surfaces, producing original paintings, art prints, greeting cards, and illustrated products. She also collaborates with small businesses on custom projects, bringing her designs to life across both two and three-dimensional formats. Elena runs an independent studio practice and enjoys connecting with people at local artist markets, sharing her work and process with the community.

Artist Statement: The intention behind this piece was to put on display to the beautiful and vibrant landscape of my heritage country – Australia.

The artwork presents detailed depictions of the nation’s coral, creatures and vibrant ecology by utilizing the “green and gold” (the colours of Australia) as the foundation of the colour palette but also by expanding on this with a wide array of various colours and forms. By incorporating these elements, the primary showcase of the work is the “great barrier” reef, not only one of the seven natural wonders of the world but also a vital system for maintaining global biodiversity and to demonstrate the importance of environmental protection

The piece also exhibits 6 stars to represent the Southern Cross, which has been used by explorers for centuries alongside a nod to the Union Jack (by incorporating the red, blue and white stripes) alongside the commonwealth star to pay homage to the nation’s flag on the soccer ball at the base of the sculpture.

Artist Statement: In this work, Austrian culture is interpreted through colour, pattern and place. The painted surface brings together references to the country’s alpine landscapes, historic towns and cultural traditions.

As viewers move around the sculpture, they encounter a sequence of architectural landmarks and landscape motifs that suggest a visual journey through Austria. Silhouettes of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Karlskirche, the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad) and Schönbrunn Palace appear alongside the Alps, alpine lakes, rhythmic colour fields representing the many vineyards and Heurigen (wineries) and towns such as Vienna, Hallstatt and Salzburg. Decorative elements inspired by the renowned artist Gustav Klimt are integrated among these motifs, adding pattern and texture to the surface.The sculpture further incorporates references to Austria’s famous Alpine skiing, culinary traditions– “wurstel’ sausages, pretzels, Wiener Schnitzel, and cafe culture – coffee and desserts such as strudel and Sacher torte. Lastly, its renowned musical heritage by composers such as Strauss and Mozart is represented by a music staff winding alongside the Danube River which flows across the surface, uniting the composition.  These elements unfold as viewers circle the sculpture, inviting exploration and discovery.

In response to the commission, artist Kathryn Maxfield also developed a series of paintings inspired by Austrian towns and landscapes. This companion body of work further explores themes of place, memory, and cultural exchange.

Artist Statement: Walter Segers’ beaver sculpture stands as a vibrant tribute to the Belgian men’s national football team. Drawing inspiration from the team’s iconic nickname “the Red Devils” Segers employs a bold red palette, accented with black and yellow, echoing the Belgian tricolour. Through meticulous layering of acrylic paint, he achieves a harmony that both honours the national football identity and celebrates the expressive potential of visual art.

The sculpture’s surface is adorned with minimalist line tattoos, each image carefully selected to represent symbols of Belgian culture: a triangle cone of frites, a glass of beer, a waffle, an Antwerp diamond, Manneken Pis, René Magritte’s pipe, a saxophone for Adolphe Sax, Belgian chocolates, the Brussels Atomium, Bruges lace, a red devil, a poppy, and classic footballs, among others. These icons are rendered in a monochromatic palette, connecting the sculpture’s form with its cultural narrative and inviting viewers to discover the rich layers of Belgian history and creativity.

The sculpture embodies the spirit of international celebration, uniting Canadian and Belgian heritage through art and sport. True to Segers’ artistic vision, the piece invites conversation, fosters connection, and transforms the universal language of football into a vibrant, enduring work of public art.

Artist Bio: Walter Segers is a Belgian-born artist whose work has significantly shaped both the Canadian and international art landscapes. Emigrating from Belgium to Canada in 1993, Segers has since made Toronto his home. He graduated with distinction from the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU) in 2008 and was awarded OCADU’s esteemed M.C. McCain Post Graduate Photography Residency the following year.

Segers’ artistic practice centres on photo-based work, collage and installation, with exhibitions spanning notable venues across Toronto and internationally. His art has been showcased in Toronto at MOCA, The John B. Aird Gallery, Propeller, Window Gallery YYZ, Gagné Contemporary Projects, and Gladstone Hotel (now Gladstone House), among others. Beyond Toronto, he has exhibited at White Water Gallery and NOVAH Gallery in North Bay, Open Studio at Cambrian College in Sudbury, FHM in Cambridge, and Markham Museum. Internationally, Segers’ work has appeared at Leslie Lohman Annex Gallery in New York City, Canadian Cultural Centre in Paris, Peperfabriek in Antwerp, RIT City Art Space in Rochester-NY, Galeria Antonio López Sáenz at Museo de Arte in Mazatlán-MX, Getxo Photo in Spain, Ilkeston Contemporary in the UK, Galerie AMU in Prague, and Galerie 12 in Zlín, Czech Republic.

www.waltersegers.com Instagram: @waltersegers

Artist Bio: As an OCAD University graduate (2009) Joanna has an extensive background in Fine Arts. Joanna was a Teacher’s Assistant (TA) to the 2011 undergraduate thesis class at OCADU through the Photography & Friends residency program. Joanna’s fine artwork typically features surrealist imagery combined with emotional themes. Her love of art for art’s sake shows through her photography, sculptures and mural paintings. Joanna’s work has been on display in over 40 exhibitions, published in 28 books, newspapers and magazines and has won several awards. Joanna has also been commissioned for many public art programs in Toronto, Vaughan and Simcoe.

Since 2010 Joanna has been working as a freelance photographer, fine artist, muralist and curator. She is experienced in teaching, creating and running accessible exhibitions, artists talks, programs and workshops. Joanna has run many programs and exhibitions in Toronto and the GTA both for own personal artwork and non-profit and for-profit organizations.

Artist Statement: Having part of my background and heritage as being Brazilian I am honoured & excited to be part of this activation. I would describe the inspiration behind my design as a reflection of the flag of Brazil and the many diverse communities that live and make the country what it is. Find Splatters of White & Blue representative of Joy & Celebration reflected on my piece, as well as bright vibrant colours like the soul and heart of the people in Brazil.

With a great passion for Football/Soccer in Brazil, it’s only right I feel that I showcased a father and son or a young boy vs his Adult self with the dreams and aspirations he had to be a Football professional star one day an that of it being achieved. Also find a beautiful Lady in her costume dancing Samba and posing for the world renown Carnival celebration that takes place yearly throughout Brazil. You will find imagery of four prominent local birds; A Macaw, a Scarlet Tanager, Green-headed Tanager, & a Parrot. Last but certainly not least you will see I have included my depiction of the World Famous Statue & cultural landmark Christ the Redeemer on my sculpture as well as two additional Brazilian flags. I transformed my Beaver’s Football into the world globe & map reflective of all the amazing countries coming together for one shared goal!

Artist Bio: Alex Pinto is a Canadian multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. Working across murals, canvas paintings, and sculptures, Alex’s practice blends contemporary street art influences with fine art traditions, creating bold and expressive works that engage both public and gallery spaces. Alex has studied in a specialized post-secondary visual arts program for three years and further developed his artistic foundation through the study of art history at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and OCAD University. Over the past six years, he has worked professionally as an artist, completing commissioned pieces for private clients, venues, businesses, bars and restaurants, while continuing to expand his presence in the public art sphere.

His work includes two completed public art projects for the City of Toronto and participation in numerous cultural festivals and graffiti jams both locally and internationally. Some of Alex’s murals and artwork can be found across cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Whistler, as well as internationally in Barcelona, Seville, Frankfurt, Berlin, Bali, Cancun, Sayulita, and Puerto Vallarta.

Artist Statement: Celebrating the intersection of multiculturalism, heritage, and Canadian lifestyle, this painted sculpture explores national identity through symbolism in fashion. By understanding everyday winter garments, the work highlights the common threads that unite Canadians and visitors during our chilly seasons.

The piece depicts a beaver painted in maple wood-grain texture. Dressed in a Canadian-influenced soccer uniform layered beneath a classic red flannel shirt, showcasing global athletic pride and local tradition. The flannel’s heritage-style plaid serves as a display for Canada’s geography, with specific squares featuring iconic symbols representing every province and territory. By blending the earthy aesthetic of a wooden beaver mannequin with the modern energy of soccer, this sculpture presents Canadian fashion as a lived experience. Through a focused palette of red, white, maple brown, and black, the work honours the symbols that make the Canadian landscape both recognizable and inclusive.

Artist Bio: Raz Latif is a Canadian visual artist and award-winning illustrator living in Toronto, known for his bold and vibrant commercial work seen in magazines, children’s books, and advertising campaigns. A graduate of OCAD University, he uses his training in traditional painting and industry experience in design to create thought-provoking works of art. His artworks have also been exhibited in galleries across the city.

www.razlatif.com
raz@razlatif.com

Artist Statement: My beaver design involves a vibrant motif that is instantly recognizable as Canadian- themaple leaf. Designed to be bright and eye-catching, this beaver is treated simply as a surface to cover in a universal symbol of national pride. Many of the maple leaves in this design reference the leaves of native maple species that can be found within Canada. Together, let’s celebrate Canada and enjoy The Great Beaver Quest!

Artist Bio: Emily Côté is a Toronto-based illustrator originally from Windsor. She has a unique perspective on art due to her education in both fine art and illustration. Emily uses illustration to highlight our inherent connection with nature. She loves working digitally while incorporating traditional media such as watercolour and coloured pencil. At home, she has many houseplants as a way to bring the green indoors. In her free time, she enjoys drinking tea and walking on trails – touching moss and looking for wildlife, mushrooms and wildflowers!

Artist Statement: This sculpture depicts a group of sharks swimming in a tropical ocean along the lower half of the beaver, the reverse side depicts the country of Cabo Verde’s motto in both Portuguese and English surrounded by local flora and fauna.  The design pulls inspiration from the Cabo Verde national flag, the official emblem of the country, and the Cape Verdean Football Federation logo throughout the beaver. Motifs found on all three symbols including stars, stripes, fronds, chain links, and sharks were used to represent visual links to the country of Cabo Verde and their football team. 

The reverse design includes the country’s official motto, “Unidade, Trabalho, Progresso” (meaning ‘unity, work, progress’) surrounded by shells, sea stars, and clams found all over the island archipelago as well as the national flower of Cabo Verde, the Gerbera Daisy.  The main focus of the piece is the official motto of Cabo Verde because it truly represents the team’s journey to the World Cup stage. Not only because the team has worked so hard to qualify, but also because of the way that Cabo Verde’s people have supported and believed in the team so passionately every step of the way!

Artist Bio: Ashlyn Mundy is a mural artist and illustrator from the Southern Lake Simcoe area. She Graduated in 2020 from OCAD University with a Bachelor of Design in Illustration and over the past 6 years she has honed her craft into the public arts. Ashlyn has created multiple large scale murals over Southern Ontario commissioned by real estate offices, schools, outdoor installations, townships/cities, and public art initiatives. In her public arts and mural work Ashlyn creates fun and playful illustrations that incorporate people, nature, animals, and plants.

Artist Statement: My design celebrates Colombia through colour, biodiversity, and national symbolism. The composition draws inspiration from the country’s diverse landscapes, flora, and cultural traditions, reflecting the richness of its many regions.

National symbols such as the Cattleya orchid and the wax palm appear alongside coffee branches, Andean sunflowers, tropical fruits, and native wildlife, including hummingbirds, butterflies, the spectacled bear, and a stylized jaguar mask. Together, these elements highlight Colombia’s remarkable biodiversity and the vibrant ecosystems that shape its identity. Through colour and symbolism, this beaver offers a glimpse into Colombia’s landscapes, diversity, and spirit, reflecting my deep love for my homeland and the honour I feel in representing it.

Artist Bio: Andrea, also known as AndreaCataRo, is a muralist, lettering artist, and creative designer based in Toronto. Originally from Colombia, her work explores themes of colour, place, and cultural identity through vibrant, nature-inspired imagery.

With a background in graphic design, Andrea brings a strong sense of composition and visual storytelling to her murals and public art projects. Her artwork is influenced by Latin American colour traditions and the rich natural landscapes of Colombia, including its dense flora and fauna. Through vibrant palettes, organic forms, and illustrative compositions, she creates works that celebrate memory, nature, and community.

Artist Statement: Being part of the Great Beaver Quest has reinforced for me how football operates not only as a game, but as a powerful platform for representation, storytelling, and collective joy. Growing up in West Africa, football was woven into everyday life. It lived in the streets, in schoolyards, and in conversation. It was a shared language that cut across age, class, and circumstance. My family ties extend through Côte d’Ivoire, and I am grateful to have visited and experienced this warm, hospitable, culturally rich, playful and vibrant country. My beaver sculpture is made to represent these qualities while incorporating their national colours, coat of arms, and cultural motifs. Orange represents the land, the northern savannas, and national growth. White represents peace, purity, and unity. Green represents the coastal forests and hope for a better future. Yellow represents warmth, playfulness and the rising sun, symbolizing a new era. An elephant is also featured, their primary national symbol, representing the nation’s strength and source of the name “Ivory”. The patterns on the bands wrapping around the beaver are rooted in the traditional art and textiles found in Côte d’Ivoire. They are deeply symbolic, and appear in loincloth weaving with dyed cotton fabrics and unique patterns.

Artist Bio: Charles Boloebi Okah, also known as The Flying Bushman, is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist working across painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Born in Nigeria and based in Toronto, his artist name draws inspiration from the myth of the Flying Dutchman, a ship cursed to sail endlessly, always searching for land but never arriving. He likens this to the creative process, a continual state of searching, learning, and becoming. His work is curious, deeply human, and always with a touch of the surreal. His recent installation and public art commissions range from an interactive jellyfish mural for Nuit Blanche, painted street barriers, TTC buses and murals for the City of Toronto, as well as collaborations with global brands like Nike, Heineken, Adidas, Tiger Beer, and Flying Fish. Featured sculptural work includes a cyborg for Afro-Futurism: AstroSankofa and a 12 foot tree for the film set Ms. Kanyin (now streaming in Amazon Prime). Working within and beyond traditional spaces, The Flying Bushman continues to curiously expand how, where, and why art is experienced.

Website: https://theflyingbushman04.wixsite.com/theflyingbushman
Instagram: @the_flying_bushman

Artist Statement: For the Croatian beaver sculpture, the design celebrates Croatia’s cultural heritage through traditional clothing, symbolism, and decorative patterns. The beaver is dressed in traditional Croatian attire, incorporating the iconic red and white checkerboard motif as a central design element inspired by the Croatian flag and national identity. The garment features ornamental patterns influenced by traditional Croatian textiles and needle lace, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship and rich folk traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Additional symbolic references are incorporated throughout the design to represent important elements of Croatian history and identity. These include imagery inspired by Mother Croatia, a national personification symbolizing the spirit and pride of the country, as well as the European pine marten, Croatia’s national animal. Elements drawn from the Croatian coat of arms are also included, such as the goat and the star and crescent moon symbols, which reference historic regions and cultural heritage.

Artist Bio: Alicia Hrvatin is a Croatian-Canadian emerging artist based in Brampton, Ontario. Her artistic practice focuses on storytelling, cultural identity, and community connection through colourful and expressive imagery. Working across a variety of mediums including digital illustration, photography, watercolour, acrylic painting, and drawing, Alicia enjoys experimenting with colour, layering, textures, and composition to create vibrant and whimsical artworks that invite viewers to engage with meaningful themes.

Alicia’s work frequently explores themes of identity and mental health as a form of self-expression and advocacy. Through pieces such as Little Miss Social Anxiety and Little Miss Seasonal Depression, she aims to create artwork that helps others feel seen and understood while encouraging open conversations about mental health.

In addition to her studio practice, Alicia is actively involved in community-based arts programming and collaborative creative projects. She has participated in initiatives such as the City of Brampton’s Brampton BOXED public art program and the European Union Democracy XChange Event, which highlights art as a tool for dialogue and resilience. 

Artist Bio: Elise Conlin is a mural designer based in Toronto. With a focus on joy and whimsy, her work incorporates playful characters, abstract design, and plant life. With a background in illustration and roots in a small farm town, she finds nature and community are always important subject matter in her work. Inspired by natural forms, abstraction, and vintage children’s books, she loves using expressive shape, movement, and colour to connect with audiences.

Artist Statement: Based in Tkaronto/Toronto, Sarah Imrisek (@cymatiste) makes art in the streets and with the public, specializing in murals, community arts facilitation, and interactive installations. Her work combines social and environmental themes with illustrative flair, bold colours and playfulness, frequently featuring local flora and fauna. Her art explores our connections with each other and with the land, looking to the intricacy and interconnectedness of the natural world for inspiration to find pathways to personal and collective healing. During a difficult time in life, she found solace walking alone through alleyways and photographing street art. Now she feels blessed to be able to contribute to the public conversation, brightening the city and supporting other artists.

Sarah’s community arts practice is rooted in connecting people through shared creative expression, creating inclusive spaces where people of all backgrounds and skill levels can explore their creativity, share stories, build meaningful connections, and collectively imagine a way forward.

Her work has been supported and featured by StreetARToronto, The Box Murals Program, Mural Routes, East End Arts, Scadding Court Community Centre, Nuit Blanche Toronto, Hamilton Arts Week, Canada Council for the Arts, local businesses and private collectors.

Artist Bio: Tetyana Bibik is a Toronto-based professional muralist recognized for creating vibrant, large-scale artworks that transform everyday spaces into meaningful visual experiences. Her work bridges fine art and public engagement, bringing colour, storytelling, and cultural connection into both residential and commercial environments.

Working under the creative brand Art by Tetyana, she specializes in custom murals, public art installations, and site-specific artwork designed to reflect the identity of the communities and businesses she collaborates with. Tetyana’s murals can be found across the GTA on building exteriors, interiors, storefronts, and community spaces. Believing strongly in the power of art to uplift communities, Tetyana approaches every project with the goal of creating spaces that feel inspiring, welcoming, and memorable.

www.Artbytetyana.com
@artbytetyana

Artist Statement: The beaver sculpture for Egypt is celebrating soccer’s biggest event in a full ancient Egyptian costume. A Decorative ancient Egyptian costume attached with colourful jewelries and hieroglyphic language. This whole vivid costume includes traditional elements such as the ‘Schenti’ (kilt) and the ‘Usekh’ (broad collar), alongside a majestic headpiece and intricate wrist jewelry. It’s inspired from ancient antiquities as sculptures, artifacts, kings’ clothes, tombs murals and mummies decorative cases’ color palette.

The design incorporates dominant symbols in ancient Egypt civilization that reflect power, authority, spirituality and renewal mythology, these symbols are considered the main tool to convey their beliefs in the past. Including the ‘Ankh’ (Key of Life) for life and eternal existence, the ‘Eye of Horus’ for royal protection and power, and the beaver holding the ‘Lotus flower’ which is a significant symbol in art as a reference of rebirth and the sun. Similarly, a ‘scarab’ is positioned on the beaver’s chest to offer protection against danger, Cartouche and wings (symbolize divine protection, and the power of sky deities). All these symbols give a powerful meaning carried by the Egyptian beaver sculpture. 

Artist Bio: Mai El-Mostafa is a visual artist, muralist and researcher holding an MA in Applied Arts. She is deeply engaged in art and design in both academic study and art projects engagement. Her practice investigates storytelling across cultures, and historical narrative through theoretical and artistic aspects. Her work often involves community art projects and public engagement, with a particular emphasis on public art forms as Murals and installation. Since 2016, she has collaborated with many NGO’s, institutions and stakeholders across Egypt and US to deliver a group of large-scale outdoor projects, public exhibitions (group exhibitions) and Art workshops. 

Artist Statement: Growing up in Ottawa, trips to Toronto felt electric, and one of my clearest childhood memories was seeing the 2000’s Toronto Moose in the City program. Hundreds of life-size moose transformed by local artists with wildly different interpretations became landmarks across the city. Each piece stood on its own while contributing to a very playful world-building. My brothers and I loved them so much that we kept a physical scrapbook, taking photos with every moose we could find. That experience showed me how public art can give a city personality, invite play, and stay with you. I feel very grateful for this full circle moment where I get to take part in a similar city-wide exhibition that meant so much to me at 5 years old.

For the England beaver, I wanted the design to honour the deep cultural pride and history surrounding the national team while also pulling from the nation’s iconic 1960’s pop art scene. Growing up playing soccer and when visiting family in England, I felt firsthand how their national sports identity is rooted in resilience, intensity, and tradition. The palette draws from the emotional landscape of England: weathered reds and soft whites echo the national flag, while deep blues and greys reference stormy skies, historic stadiums, and the atmosphere of match day. Crosshatched textures woven through the surface reference the structure of British textiles and historic tartan patterns, and the year 1966 is embedded to honour England’s World Cup victory, a defining moment that continues to inspire generations of players and supporters.

Artist Bio: Tara J Paterson is an emerging creative visual artist focused on public installations, community-engaged design, paintings, sculptures and murals. Her work focuses on colourful, queer, femme-centered themes that celebrate expression and togetherness. She pulls inspiration from a background in film, theatre, performing arts and graphic design with the aim to make art that creates a playful world, shifting how people see and feel.

Since 2022, Tara has developed murals and installations across Ottawa and Toronto, including projects for Ottawa South United Soccer Club “Groove” and “Vibe”. In 2024, she collaborated with the small independent brand Undead Kingdom to create a series of one-off shirt designs, extending her visual practice into wearable art. In 2025, she assisted with artistic concrete barrier designs for the City of Toronto and an interactive painting/sculpture hybrid that used recycled bottle caps to create a larger than life jellyfish for Nuit Blanche. In 2025 Tara had her first art exhibit, featuring an 8 foot flowery tree, as part of the 8 selected artists for Mississauga Festival of Trees held by Creative Hub 1352.

Instagram @tara.j.paterson & @directedbytara

Artist Statement: At first glance, the sculpture seems straightforward: a beaver, decked out in the tricolor of France—blue, white, and red—alongside the outline of the Eiffel Tower. It’s almost predictable, a familiar sight. It plays with national symbols, seemingly begging for a quick reading. Yet, that initial impression is just the beginning. As you get a step closer, there is more to unfold. The colour and lines grow more complex, and the drawings reveal more subtle details: pieces of history, architecture and cultural heritage. The beaver, a builder by nature, becomes here the guardian of a collective memory, a silent artisan assembling the layers of time. The work invites us to rethink the simple cliché of a beret and baguette in order to explore the many facets of France. Every detail reveals a part of what makes up French identity.

Artist Bio: As a painter specializing in custom work and airbrushing, I have over 15 years of experience in custom painting. Originally trained as an automotive painter, I turned towards airbrushing, with the goal of combining these techniques and skills and applying them to a more creative field: customizing all types of surfaces. Passionate about the automotive world from a young age, I began my career in France, where I painted helmets for motorsport drivers. Later, I decided to move to Canada, where I began painting bicycles.

Over the years, I have painted hundreds of helmets for drivers competing in high levels, including F1, WEC, and IMSA, as well as bicycles for athletes at the Olympics. My work is not limited to helmets and bicycles. I customize all types of object, tailoring each creation to the identity, history, and colours of the customer.

Artist Statement: This beaver sculpture explores the relationship between architecture, pattern, and national identity. The design draws inspiration from the tiled surfaces found throughout Berlin’s U-Bahn stations, particularly the distinctive herringbone and geometric tile arrangements seen in stations such as Jungfernheide. These repeating patterns are both decorative and functional, guiding movement through public infrastructure while creating a recognizable visual identity for the city.

The beaver’s surface is painted using the colours of the German flag—black, red, and gold—arranged in horizontal bands across the body. Within each colour section, a repeating tile pattern evokes the ceramic wall tiles commonly found in subway stations. By translating an architectural surface onto the body of an animal, the sculpture connects the natural world with the built environment. The tiled sphere beneath the beaver’s paw echoes both a football and a ceramic architectural element, reinforcing themes of play, motion, and public gathering. Together, these elements transform the beaver into a small monument to Germany’s design language—celebrating pattern, craftsmanship, and the systems that connect people and places.

Artist Bio: Jacqueline Huskisson is a visual artist originally from Calgary, Alberta and currently based between Calgary and Toronto. She holds a BFA in Print Media from the Alberta College of Art and Design (now AUArts) and an MFA in Studio Arts from the Belfast School of Art in Northern Ireland. Huskisson’s interdisciplinary practice spans printmaking, painting, comics, installation, and media arts, often combining narrative imagery with experimental materials and spatial environments.

Her work frequently explores the relationship between the human body, memory, and constructed environments, using visual storytelling to investigate how identity and experience are shaped by physical and cultural spaces. Drawing from influences ranging from comics and animation to architecture and public infrastructure, Huskisson’s projects often merge playful imagery with conceptual frameworks.

Artist Statement: This beaver sculpture is a blend of symbolism, culture, and history that embodies the Ghanaian identity and values. It is guided by the country’s national colours: red, gold, and green. The red part of the sculpture embodies the sacrifice and independence. The inclusion of the silhouette of persons promotes unity, resilience and the struggle. The flames also reinforce the change and the enduring spirit that resulted in Ghana’s independence.

The gold part of the sculpture shimmers with a reflective armour-like effect that represents strength and prosperity, as well as Ghana’s rich legacy as the Gold Coast. The green section of the sculpture represents the country and its abundant natural resources with the textured inclusion of forests, cocoa farms, rivers, and palm trees. The Adinkra symbols Gye Nyame, which stands for “Except God,” and Sankofa, which stands for “Looking Back,” are also included in the sculpture, as they are essential to Ghanaian values.

The Black Star is located at the centre of the sculpture as a bold symbol of freedom and unity. Kente patterns encircle the sculpture, reminiscent of a royal cloak, signifying cultural heritage and collective identity. The tail, created as a tapestry of Adinkra and Ga-Adangbe symbols, represents the past and the future, paying homage to the tradition of oral histories, craftsmanship, and artistry. This sculpture celebrates Ghana’s strength, identity, and heritage.

Artist Bio: Alicom Ochere, Cassandra Quaye, and Emmanuel Glover form a multi-disciplinary group of artists who combine realistic artistry, portrait painting, and abstract expressionism to produce a distinct body of work. Collectively, the three individuals represent young creative talent, skillful craftsmanship, and years of experience, combining personal expression with common heritage.

An aspiring artist, Alicom’s work is informed by landscape and realistic painting, owing to her passion for telling stories through the use of art. With influences stemming from her grandfather, J.C. Okyere, a celebrated Ghanaian artist who is one of the six members of the Akwapim painters, Alicom is a self-taught artist whose artistic expressions continue to evolve towards portrait painting, portraiture, and sculpting. Cassandra Quaye is an Ajax-based artist whose specialty is portrait painting. She is a perfectionist who is able to create an image that reveals unique personality features of her subject. Cassandra is a passionate hobbyist who believes that collaboration and the strongest work emerge from a shared vision, contributing precision and depth to collective projects.

Artist Statement: This beaver sculpture celebrates Haiti through vibrant colour and symbols drawn from the natural environment. My artistic practice often explores relationships between culture and nature, so it felt important to represent Haiti through plants, wildlife, and landscapes that reflect the island’s identity.

The colour palette is inspired by the Haitian flag, using bold red and blue tones to bring energy and movement to the design. Across the sculpture are elements such as hibiscus flowers, bananas, cocoa pods, and guava – plants that reference Haiti’s agricultural connection to the land and national exports to Canada. A red horse appears as a symbol of strength and resilience, while the national bird represents the island’s biodiversity. Together, these elements celebrate the natural world that continues to represent and celebrate Haiti.

The soccer ball is painted with abstract wave-like patterns, suggesting motion, rhythm, and the surrounding Caribbean waters. These flowing shapes echo both the energy of the people and the movement of the ocean. Through colour, plants, and symbolic imagery, the sculpture highlights Haiti’s resilience, beauty, and strong relationship with nature while inviting viewers to reflect on their relation to the land. 

Artist Bio: Jasmine Vanstone is a Jamaican-Canadian multidisciplinary artist and arts facilitator who inspires and amplifies marginalized voices through arts mentorship, community arts programming, and public art. Through her artistic practice, she experiments in various mediums -primarily collage, murals, poetry, and digital illustration- to share visual reflections of identity, wellness, and the natural environment. Her talent, along with the power of mentorship, has earned her awards and features at CBC Arts, DesignTO, Nuit Blanche, Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, YZD, and Pearson Airport. Most recently, Jasmine was awarded the JAYU Arts For Human Rights Award and co-founded Verse & Visual Expressions to amplify equity-deserving artists in their interdisciplinary creative collaborations across poetry and visual art.

Jasmine’s passions in Black food sovereignty inspired the creation of Nourishing Roots: Cultural Memories and Dutch Pot in Diaspora, both being multidisciplinary projects that evoke community storytelling around food access, cultural memory/histories, and intergenerational knowledge exchange through the sharing of stories and recipes. 

www.jasminevanstone.com

Artist Statement: This beaver becomes a storyteller of Iran, carrying a landscape of symbols rooted in history, poetry, and nature. Cypress trees standing tall evoke resilience and endurance. Tulips bloom as symbols of sacrifice and remembrance, while the pomegranate represents abundance, fertility, and the richness of life in Persian culture. 

The griffin reflects strength and mythological guardianship; the gazelle embodies grace and the beloved presence often found in Persian poetry. Together these elements form a poetic scenery inspired by Persian gardens and traditional motifs, where nature and symbolism intertwine to reflect the depth and beauty of Iranian cultural memory. 

Artist Bio: Yasaman Mehrsa is an Iranian-born, Toronto-based visual artist whose work blends storytelling, modern folk imagery, and poetic expression. With a focus on public art, painting, and illustration, she explores the relationship between humans and nature through vibrant, imaginative compositions. Her work reflects themes of connection, transformation, and belonging. Inspired by nature, Yasaman’s art invites viewers into imaginative, living worlds, encouraging them to discover and create their own stories within the work. 

Artist Bio: Halcyon is a community arts facilitator, gouache painter, and muralist born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area. Her creative journey began in early childhood with pencil crayon illustrations and later branched into gouache portraits and murals during the pandemic. Rooted in her lived experiences within the Arab diaspora and her unwavering love for the natural world — especially birds — Halcyon’s practice explores and advocates for mental health, neuroinclusivity, and environmental awareness.

Through her workshops, she empowers participants across a range of mediums — including zines, gouache, acrylics, and vision boards — while fostering safe and supportive spaces for creative exploration, authentic self-expression, and meaningful connection. Halcyon holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy, and a TEFL certification from the University of Toronto. In 2025, she was recognized as a recipient of the Canadian Arab Institute’s “30 Under 30” award.

Passionate about growth and collaboration, Halcyon is dedicated to working alongside fellow artists and contributing to community-based initiatives that nurture creativity and inspire social and ecological impact.

Instagram: @halcyonartistry

LinkedIn: Halcyon Artistry | Halcyon Zoubaidi

Artist Statement: For the beaver representing Japan, I wanted the design to feel rooted in traditional culture while also highlighting elements that may be less widely known. The body is divided by flowing gold waves inspired by kintsugi, separating different kimono-style patterns and motifs. Within the sections, Japanese yōkai (monsters) peek out while doing cultural activities like playing the shamisen and practicing calligraphy. The overall palette is based in red, referencing the Japanese flag, with gold accents and softer hues of pink, white, and crimson to add depth. By hiding the yōkai throughout the patterns, the piece becomes like an Easter egg hunt, inviting viewers to look closely and discover new details each time. At the same time, the design is meant to feel like a conversation between generations, appreciating Japan’s history and traditions while embracing modern diversity and storytelling, and creating a sense of connection through shared culture.

Artist Bio: Kiki Hamazaki is a Japanese-Canadian illustrator and multidisciplinary artist based in Toronto. Since graduating from OCAD University in 2023, she has built a practice that moves between public murals, narrative illustration, and comics. Her work is held together by a personal interest in memory, identity, and the simple feeling of belonging.

Much of Kiki’s perspective was shaped by childhood summers spent in Tokyo, where she grew to love the beauty in everyday moments and the overlap of different cultures. Her work often blends Japanese cultural motifs with local life to create a universal sense of home.

Storytelling is at the heart of everything Kiki creates, usually featuring fluid characters, animals, and nature-inspired imagery. By keeping community at the center of her process, she aims to create vibrant work that reflects the spirit of the neighborhoods and stories they live in.

Artist Statement: This beaver sculpture explores ideas of building, identity, and cultural connection. The beaver is an iconic Canadian symbol known for its ability to build and shape its environment. In this piece, that idea of building becomes a metaphor for personal and cultural identity. As a Korean artist living in Canada, I connect the beaver’s role as a builder to my own experience of building a sense of belonging between cultures.

The surface of the sculpture incorporates Hangul, the Korean writing system. At the base of the beaver, the Hangul forms appear larger and heavier, like the logs that support a beaver’s lodge—representing cultural roots, language, and foundation. As the form rises, the shapes become lighter and more open, suggesting how identity continues to grow and evolve over time. Between the Hangul forms, small illustrated symbols—such as paper airplanes, raindrops, and lightning—appear across the surface. These playful elements act like the smaller materials that hold a beaver’s lodge together, bringing movement, imagination, and emotion to the piece.

The colour palette draws from Obangsaek, the traditional Korean system of five colours—red, blue, yellow, white, and black—symbolizing balance and harmony. Red also connects Korea’s football culture with Canada’s national colour, creating a visual bridge between the two. Together, these elements reflect the idea of building—building identity, building connection, and building bridges between cultures.

Artist Bio: Nayoun Kim is a Korean-born illustrator and artist based in Toronto, Canada. Her work explores storytelling through illustration, public art, and visual symbolism, often reflecting experiences of cultural transition and connection.

Kim studied Fine Art in South Korea before moving to Canada to study Illustration at Sheridan College. Living between cultures has become a significant influence on her practice, shaping work that explores identity, curiosity, and the spaces between languages, places, and communities. Alongside her studio practice, Kim teaches illustration at Sheridan College, where she encourages students to develop their own visual voice through process-driven storytelling. Her work has been exhibited in Korea and Canada, including projects at the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival in Seoul.

Artist Statement: The design of the Mexican beaver was inspired by traditional Mexican animal sculptures known as Alebrijes. I thought it would be a meaningful way to represent Mexico by drawing inspiration from this iconic art form, which is often used to depict animals through vibrant and imaginative designs.

Alebrijes are typically made from papier-mâché or carved from wood and are known for their intricate patterns, vivid colors, and richly detailed textures. They commonly portray a wide variety of animals, such as cats, lions, roosters, tigers, and even fantastical creatures like dragons, each brought to life through bold colors and decorative motifs.

By applying the visual language of Alebrijes to a beaver, an animal strongly associated with Canada, this sculpture becomes a meeting point between two cultures. The piece celebrates Mexican artistic tradition while honoring a symbol of the Canadian landscape, creating a playful and colorful representation of cultural exchange.

Artist Bio: I am a Mexican artist who came to Canada with the goal of growing my artistic career. Growing up in Mexico City, I was always surrounded by warm weather and constant nature. Even during the colder months, the climate was never as extreme as it is in Canada. I had not yet discovered the central theme I wanted to pursue in my artistic practice or what would motivate my work. Experiencing Canada’s four distinct seasons became the turning point.

Since then, I have dedicated my artistic practice to depicting nature as a way of honoring our surroundings and acknowledging the profound impact they have on our well-being. Nature influences not only our physical environment, but also our social interactions, our sense of balance, and our mental health. My use of colour is inspired by my mixed heritage and by the vibrancy of Mexican culture. Nature itself reflects this diversity. Through its endless variety, it reminds us that regardless of culture, race, gender, or age, we all share the same planet and the same home. My color palette serves as a reminder of that unity.

Artist Statement: The Morocco beaver personifies a Moroccan person wearing a traditional Moroccan kaftan in the colours of Moroccan flag. Intricate designs in the front, sides and borders depict typical embroidery that these garments usually have. The ball is painted with a geometric design typical of Moroccan tiles.

Artist Bio: Ghazaleh Rastgar, also known as Ghazaraza, is a multidisciplinary Iranian-Canadian artist based in Toronto. Born in Shiraz, Iran, and educated at OCAD University, she has worked as a full-time artist since 2016. Her practice spans painting, murals, textiles, and digital media.

Ghazaleh’s work draws from Persian visual culture, personal memory, and the lived experience of diaspora. Blending traditional motifs with contemporary techniques, she layers bold colour and expressive figures to explore themes of identity, belonging, and cultural inheritance. Her work is often informed by love, feminism, and spirituality, offering intimate reflections on what it means to live between worlds.

Alongside her studio practice, Ghazaleh has created public murals across Canada and internationally that centre identity, visibility, and storytelling in shared spaces. She has also been involved in curating and coordinating community arts programming, collaborating with organizations such as StreetARToronto and other public art initiatives, with a focus on community engagement, equity, and accessible creative expression.

Artist Statement: The opportunity to represent the Netherlands in this art installation is special to me. Both of my parents were born in the Netherlands and immigrated to Canada. Dutch culture, values, and traditions have been such a formative part of my life that when I visited there, it felt like coming home. 

The sculpture design brings together a classic Canadian icon, the beaver, with familiar imagery from the Netherlands. The design incorporates tulips, traditional canal houses, and a swirling sky inspired by my favourite Dutch artist, Vincent van Gogh. The swirling sky continues onto the soccer ball, linking Dutch artistic tradition with the energy of the FIFA World Cup. 

Hup Holland Hup!

Artist Bio: Holly Enter is a multidisciplinary visual artist based in Brant County, Ontario. Her artwork is shaped by a desire to find beauty in ordinary places and everyday moments. She views creativity as a small reflection of the work of the ultimate Creator, who delights in beauty and design.

Her portfolio includes watercolour and gouache pieces, as well as oil and acrylic paintings that capture meaningful places, landscapes, and life moments. In addition to private commissions, Holly enjoys community-focused projects.

Artist Statement: New Zealand (Aotearoa) is a fascinating and beautiful country, with strong ties to the Māori culture and land. I wanted to bring their storytelling to life by focusing on the Māori language and culture, the playful and charming icons of Kiwiana, and native flora/fauna. I am doing this through the use of traditional tattooing, called Kirituhi, which is a contemporary form of Māori-inspired tattoo art, designed for non-Māori (pākehā) people. It utilizes traditional Māori patterns and symbols to tell a story and connection to nature. The Kirituhi is intertwined with a large silver fern on the back of the beaver, which is the most recognized symbol of New Zealand identity, representing national pride, resilience, growth and achievement. On the left side of the beaver, I have “Kia kaha, Kia māia, Kia manawanui”, which translates to “Be strong, Be brave, Be steadfast”.  It is a powerful whakataukī (proverb) and motivational slogan to encourage resilience, courage, and determination in the face of challenges. For the colour palette, I used pango (black), mā (white) and whero (red), honouring the colours of the Māori flag. The ball displays the logo of the New Zealand All Whites, who are making their 3^rd appearance in the World Cup, and for the first time since 2010.

Artist Bio: I am the co-owner and Art Director for Compass360, a design studio based in Mississauga, as well as a part-time Professor of Design at Sheridan College. I have over 25 years of experience in graphic design and specialize in hand lettering and painting large-scale murals. My murals can be seen both locally and internationally, and my hand lettering has been published in books in Australia and Germany. I also specialize in photo-realistic graphite portraits, and work with gold gilding, chalk, ink and digital media. I graduated from Western University with honours in Visual Arts and Media, and continue to use both my classical training in traditional studio art (painting, print making, drawing), combined with my love for media and current trends, to bring a clean and calculated purpose to all of the art I create. I have family that resides on the North Island of New Zealand in Taranaki, and we visit them every few years.

Artist Statement: Inspired by Norwegian mythology and a drakkar sculpture brought home by my father, this design transforms the beaver into a vessel of heritage. The head is painted to resemble the prow of a Viking longship, with Norse knotwork entwining a custom Bindrune created for Team Norway and the Remme family. This sigil combines the Elder Futhark runes Raido (journey), Gebo (hospitality), and Tiwaz (victory) into an ancient radial compass.

Huginn and Muninn, Odin’s ravens representing wisdom and knowledge, wrap around the shoulders, while the branches of Yggdrasil—the World Tree—criss-cross the belly to support the nine realms. From these branches, traditional Rosemaling scrollwork and acanthus leaves emerge, symbolizing endurance and spiritual triumph. These motifs also rise from the mountainous fjords circling the base, which emulate the minimalist, geometric landscapes of my great-uncle, the Norwegian painter Jan Petter Remme.

The sculpture’s foundation is rooted in maritime legacy: knotwork waves wrap the ankles, while the runes Sowila (power) and Othala (heritage) adorn the hands. On the soccer ball, the Norwegian flag anchors the piece.

Artist Bio: Rebecca Remme is a multi-disciplinary Canadian artist whose practice has evolved from personal expression into community engagement. Her lifetime pursuit in the arts has included study at OCAD, Toronto School of Art, Atlin Center for the Arts, and other institutions. Rebecca’s diploma in web and graphic design from IADT sparked a career-long fascination with the fusion of technology and traditional media. Curiosity led her to explore a diverse toolkit—ranging from encaustic wax and printmaking to metalsmithing and photography—earning her numerous awards, jury selections, and solo exhibitions. 

A pivotal shift occurred when Rebecca moved to Burlington and pursued a degree in Architectural Technology from Mohawk College (2019). This professional expertise fundamentally challenged her approach to art, moving beyond the canvas to consider the structural and communal impact of the built environment. Her dual identity as an artist and a technologist allows her to navigate complex public commissions with a rare blend of aesthetic vision and technical rigor.

In recent years, Rebecca has focused on the power of public art to foster connection. Whether through teaching art to children or collaborating on large-scale municipal commissions across Ontario, her goal remains constant: to design vibrant, meaningful spaces for the benefit of others.Visit www.rebeccaremme.myportfolio.com for more information.

Artist Bio: Nadira Narine (Hyper Precious) is a Canadian artist working in glass whose practice explores cultural identity, memory, and storytelling. Growing up in Panama, and shaped by her Trinidadian and Indian heritage, she draws from the textures and narratives of childhood to create sculptural works that merge form, colour, and emotion. Through elements of magical realism, Nadira translates personal histories into objects that feel both intimate and dreamlike. Each choice, from the initial sweep of colour to the final detail, contributes to a larger dialogue between material and emotion.
Nadira was an Artist-in-Residence at Harbourfront Centre (2018–2023) and is currently an Artist-in-Residence at Living Arts Centre. She was a finalist for the RBC Glass Award in 2023 and 2026, and named runner-up in 2025.

Artist Statement: This sculpture celebrates the rich cultural identity, traditions, and natural beauty of Paraguay through a series of symbolic images painted in the colors of the Paraguayan flag—red, white, and blue. On the front, the national star emblem appears alongside traditional Paraguayan bottle dancers, who lift their flowing skirts while balancing bottles on their heads, representing the vitality and joy of Paraguayan folklore.

Beneath one of the paws is an image of tereré, the traditional cold herbal tea that plays a central role in Paraguayan social life. Rooted in Indigenous Guaraní traditions, tereré was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2020. One side of the sculpture depicts the cascading waters of the famous Monday Falls, surrounded by lush jungle vegetation that wraps around the form and gradually transforms into the rolling green hills of Paraguay’s eastern region. The natural imagery is complemented by representations of native wildlife, including the blue-and-yellow macaw and the Campana bird. Passionflowers, known locally as mburucuyá, appear throughout the composition as symbols of Paraguay’s cultural heritage.

Completing the work is a soccer ball incorporating the red, blue, and white of Paraguay’s national team—an homage to the country’s deep passion for the sport.

Artist Bio: Andrea Lambert was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and moved to Toronto in 1989. She attended York University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and later graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Education, specializing in Visual Arts. In 2006, she was awarded first place in painting at the annual Latin American exhibition in Toronto. She is currently an artist and art educator with the Toronto District School Board. Lambert works across a variety of media, including sculpture, printmaking, installation, drawing, painting, and photography, though her primary medium is acrylic on canvas. Her work often reflects her past and present experiences, memories, and emotional connections to places. Her earlier body of work consisted of a series of expressionistic images inspired by childhood memories and the immigrant experience, exploring themes of identity and belonging. More recent works have moved toward abstraction and are influenced by her memories, travels, and experiences of various physical environments, as well as the emotional connections she forms with these places.

Artist Bio: José and Jonas Lobo are a father and son proudly teaming up for this project as Portuguese-Canadians. José is originally from Portugal having now lived and worked as a Canadian citizen in Canada for over 40 years. Jonas is a second generation Canadian born in Canada. This sculpture involved various interests they both shared, visual art, their Portuguese heritage, and of course soccer. 

One being from Portugal and the other having had the culture be an ever present part of their identity as a Canadian, they represent a unique and interesting perspective on the Portuguese culture for Portugal and its Portuguese people worldwide. José lived and worked as a graphic designer in Portugal for seven years before coming to Canada. In Canada, José received degrees in Fine Arts and Education from Queen’s University. He proceeded to work as a high school art teacher passing on his love of art to his students for over twenty-seven years. 

This love of art was also passed on to Jonas. Jonas followed in his father’s footsteps also receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Queen’s University. From there Jonas has been working to build his career as an emerging artist in Canada.

Soccer has been an ever present source of joy for both growing up playing and coaching soccer. It always brings family together cheering for their two international teams, Canada and Portugal.  To share what being Portuguese means for a pair of proud Canadian Artists.

Artist Statement: The beaver will be wearing the traditional Qatari gown ready to go cheer for his team. I would use my artistic skills to highlight Qatar’s history and the maritime heritage like the pearl diving, dhow boat sails and the desert landscape (sand dunes). As for my choice of palette colours, I would definitely use the maroon colour found in their flag which is rooted in Qatar’s historic purple-dye industry. It represents prestige and dignity. Another colour to consider would include warm golden or sandy beige representing the physical earth and the resilience of the Qatari people.

Artist Bio: I am a passionate artist based in Toronto, Ontario. In the field of art I would describe myself as a surrealist. My interest and love of art has been a lifelong affair that began with my own early sketching’s followed by private oil lessons at the Russian Cultural Center. I have involved myself in numerous workshops and art classes over many years.

During this time I have practiced and utilized different mediums including Graphite, Charcoal, Pastel, Acrylic and Oil paints. This range has permitted me to create individual commissions for ten years, and I have also participated in solo and group exhibitions in the Middle East and Canada as well as numerous art auctions. 

Artist Statement: I’ve always been drawn to the idea of unlikely connections, and soccer’s biggest tournament coming to Toronto felt like the perfect inspiration for this piece. This painted beaver sculpture — Canada’s most recognizable animal — was created as a playful nod to the Saudi team making the journey here to play. The beaver felt like the right choice. It’s humble, hardworking, and very Canadian, but there’s also something universal about it that made me smile when I imagined it representing this cultural exchange.

I worked with acrylics as my base, building up texture using modeling paste to give the surface some real depth and dimension. Spray paint helped me loosen things up and bring in some spontaneous energy. I also incorporated fabric into parts of the sculpture, which added a warmth and tactile quality I really wanted.  The colours draw from both flags — the greens, whites, while reds, often used in the Saudi head piece called shemagh, connects Canada and Saudi Arabia — but I didn’t want it to feel too literal. More like a conversation than a statement.

For me, this piece is really about welcoming.

Artist Bio: My earliest memory of me painting is of me as a four-year-old,  using a red crayon on my neighbors bedroom wall and creating a large mural – much to my Parent’s embarrassment! My Father then decided to indulge my passion and I delved into oil paints on large canvases. Born in Ireland, then growing up in Saudi Arabia in the 80s, the choices were limited but with a Pakistani ethnicity, a love for Saudi Arabia,  and education in the U.S., I was inspired by the ethnic life of Pakistani villages and Saudi desert women along with the mix of the Western world.

After moving to Canada in 1999, and being a visible minority raising children, who are very much Canadian, I feel it is important to have my voice heard and understood so that I can be true to myself and be accepted for what I am while representing the other minorities that live here. I founded the youth organization MY Voice Canada for Muslim youth voices and now have co-founded The Artist Cube, a place for Muslim artists to express, learn and grow.

I have exhibited in over 30 group exhibitions in Toronto and one solo exhibit in Oakville. One of my paintings is wrapped around a traffic box in Milton ON, while another is hanging as a 15 foot banner at Emmanuel College, University of Toronto. I am excited to represent Saudi Arabia via FIFA world cup’s beavers by Old Town Toronto.

Artist Statement: The Kilted Canuck (a poem)
Upon the green field where nations gather round,
A kilted beaver standing proud and bold, is found.
He dribbles swift in Scotland’s blue and white,
Maple leaf and Saltire both in sight.
From Canada’s woods to Scottish highland mist,
He brings to life the dream FIFA 2026!
Where legends meet and stories intertwine,
Their feet in rhythm, their goals well defined.
Nessie peers from beneath the loch’s wave,
While thistles bloom and stags stand strong and brave.
Our world stands united as the whistle blows,
In every heart, the hope of victory grows.
So, here’s to soccer, magic, pride, and cheer,
The Kilted Canuck leads the cheer this year!
With folklore’s spirit and the game’s embrace,
We celebrate together and hope to win the race!

Artist Bio: Marg is an accomplished muralist with an award-winning career spanning more than twenty-five years. She completed her final year of studies in Florence, Italy, and graduated from the Ontario College of Art. Marg has executed numerous public and private mural commissions, and her large-scale works have been exhibited at the Biennale Internazionale Dell’Arte Contemporanea in Florence, Italy. Since 2015, she has produced over forty public art murals throughout Ontario. Her artwork was featured in the international street art publication “Urban Scrawl” (Australia) in 2018. In 2019, Marg participated as a wildcard contestant on the inaugural season of Landscape Artist of the Year, Canada, which aired on the CBC in fall 2020. She was awarded the Denis Diderot Grant in 2021 and subsequently undertook a month-long residency at the Chateau D’Orquevaux in France. Marg regularly exhibits her large-scale paintings at the Toronto Artist Project, the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, and various independent Toronto Galleries. In 2024, she created murals for Fort McMurray’s Wood Buffalo Mural Fest and Ontario’s Celebrate Dundalk! Festival. Last year, Marg expanded her public art portfolio to Saskatchewan, where she contributed a mural to the South-West Mural Fest on the Grand Coteau Museum. Her works are held in collections in Canada, the United States, and France.

Artist Statement: In this project I chose Senegal because of its rich culture and great passion for football and also since my background is African.

In my design I am able to use the Senegalese flag colors and blend the with the African cultural patterns and textile to create the artwork. My goal is to be able to make the beaver sculpture to represent the people of Senegal and the nation at large.

Artist Bio: Larry Esenerwa is an artist living in Brampton. His works includes paintings, sculptures, illustrations and animation. He primarily does acrylic paintings on canvas, oil pastel and digital art works. Larry has worked as an Illustrator for Wonder World Kids in the production of a children’s book called The Dilemma of the Lazy Lions.

He has also worked as an animator in the production of a 52-episode Animation Tv series called Tinga Tinga Tales in collaboration with Tiger Aspect Production. He is passionate about art and like to show details in his artworks.

Artist Statement: My mom is from Spain and my dad from Germany and while we tended to be bandwagon sports enthusiasts, we paid particular attention to the World Cup games and all the events that came with it. In 2010 when Spain played and ultimately won, I happened to be exhibiting my work at The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition. My brother brought down our one Spanish flag that we owned and we paraded it through the square. Later that evening we drove down the streets of Toronto with my mom sticking her body through the sunroof of the car waving a flag and rejoicing in the moment. Celebrating the win of her home country with her was wonderful and a real gift and the reason this project  resonates  with me.

For this project I incorporated the image of the bull and the bull fighter which, like my Mama, speaks to instinct and strength. And like that special night we celebrated Spain’s win, the bull is part of the distinctive myth that is emblematic of Spain. The game itself, the time that I spent celebrating with my Mama and my family will be forever mythologised in my brain. 

Artist Bio: Thelia Sanders Shelton, a graduate of OCAD, is a muralist and multi-disciplinary artist with a focus in public art. Thelia participated in numerous exhibitions including The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair with her series,” Multiples” and her series “ It is however, her sculptures, The Toronto Driftwood Sign and El Corazon, which she co-created in 2016 that garnered widespread media attention, including the cover of Now Magazine and interviews on CBC Radio. These gateway projects into public art led her to paint her first big mural “Friends”.

Thelia’s been involved with Steps Initiative Program and co-created the Rainbow Lovesign which was also a community engagement project. Thelia co-created Nature’s Sandbox on Wards Beach Toronto Islands. Thelia’s StArt  projects include Outside of the Box and the Cycle Track program. In addition, Thelia has also worked on a number of laneway projects including “Into the Forest“, and later,“Dogs at Play” and in 2022, KJBit Laneway Mural Project” with “The DJ”.

Artist Bio: I have created artwork for over fifty years, starting with painting. I was a co-founder of Kyla, a regional Saskatchewan art group which is currently working towards its 49^th annual art exhibition and participated in approximately 100 art shows in Prince Albert, Saskatoon, the Prince Albert National Park and adjacent area, plus three in Toronto. 

I started making bronze sculptures in 1986 following a weekend workshop then years of mentorship under nationally recognized Canadian artist, Bill Epp. In addition to numerous small bronze sculptures, I have been commissioned to create five life-size or larger bronze sculptures. I was a member of the Prairie Sculptors Association, and participated in their annual exhibitions in Saskatoon and North Battleford.

 I attended two paper-making workshops in 1996 under Stephanie Bowman. I combined my newly acquired paper-making techniques with the modeling, molding and casting techniques for bronze sculpture and learned, through trial and error, the intricacies of creating cast paper sculpture. When I moved to Toronto, I became a member of the Al Green Sculpture Studio and School in 2023 and continued working there until its closure.

Artist Statement: The design of the beaver leans heavily on geographic narratives by taking inspiration from two stories of Swiss cartography. The first story is that of the Dufour map, the first large scale topographical map of Switzerland created in the 1800s. The Dufour map a feat of engineering, created by immense physical efforts to manually triangulate unexplored regions of the Alps. The Dufour map is a source of pride in Switzerland, and speaks to the exactitude and precision for which the nation is known. 

The second narrative for the design takes inspiration from is the history of Swiss cartographers hiding images in national maps. First appearing in the 1980s and as recent as 2016, Swiss cartographers have been publishing maps with hidden spiders, fish, mountain climbers, and more. The Federal Office of Topography, swisstopo, notes that despite the strict requirements for precision and rigorousness of national cartography, sometimes the maps conceal treasures born of their creators’ imagination. 

The painted beaver is a nod to cartography with clean lines and shapes reminiscent of aerial views. The design takes on an abstract and contemporary twist to mapping through brighter colours and bold shapes, hopefully bringing joy and playfulness into people’s daily lives. As an homage to the hidden images, Swiss iconography is hidden throughout the design. Watches, chocolate, cowbells, edelweiss, skis, mountains, and more are integrated as map-like imagery, look closely to see how many you can find!

Artist Bio: Chloe Begg is an artist based in Toronto/Tkaronto. Taking inspiration from local surroundings and the detail of life that surround us all, Chloe integrates industrial and urban forms into sculptures that evoke beauty and wonder. Primarily working and exhibiting in ceramic sculpture, Chloe is also beginning work in public art with an installation in the Toronto Sculpture Garden from April to October 2016. 

Chloe attended the Haliburton School of Art and Design in 2022 and the Banff Centre for Arts as an emerging artist in residence in 2024. Chloe has participated in numerous mentorship programs and received grants from the Canada Council of the Arts, TOLive, and FUSION Clay and Glass Association to support further development as an emerging artist. Chloe has exhibited through DesignTO, The Artist Project, and several galleries across Ontario.

www.chloebegg.com
@cb.ceramics

Artist Statement: This sculpture interprets Tunisia as a living environment rather than through literal national symbols.

The design was developed through research into native florals and foliage, including olive leaves, jasmine, palm fronds, bougainvillea, fig leaves, and hibiscus. These elements are layered across the sculpture to create a sense of vitality and continuity, allowing the beaver’s body to feel immersed within a living landscape rather than simply decorated by it. Denser botanical patterning appears across the torso and flanks, where larger leaf forms establish structure and movement, while blossoms and smaller details introduce moments of rhythm and visual breathing space.

The colour palette draws from both the Tunisian landscape and the country’s national identity. Crimson establishes a vibrant foundation inspired by the Tunisian flag, balanced by Mediterranean blues, olive greens, terracotta, and warm botanical tones. These colours reflect the coastline, architecture, earth, and plant life of the region while maintaining harmony across the sculpture’s surface.

National identity appears subtly rather than overtly. Small references to the Tunisian flag are incorporated into the football element, while the broader sense of place is expressed through colour, plant forms, and flowing pattern. The result is a sculpture that celebrates Tunisia through its living environment (its plants, colour, and movement) creating a visual language of growth, gathering, and shared celebration.

Artist Bio: Sharn Bassi is a Canadian visual artist based in Oakville, Ontario. Her work explores the space between memory, landscape, and cultural identity through layered abstraction, colour systems, and botanical forms. Working across painting, murals, and public sculpture, Bassi often begins with research into place (studying plants, patterns, and environmental rhythms) and translating them into visual compositions that balance structure, movement, and flow.

Bassi’s work has been exhibited internationally in Toronto, Milan, Madrid, London, Paris, and Greece, and she has participated in numerous juried exhibitions and gallery shows. Her public art projects include murals and civic commissions with the City of Toronto, as well as community-based installations and cultural collaborations.

In 2026, Bassi was elected to the Board of Directors of the South Asian Visual Arts Centre (SAVAC), where she supports advocacy and visibility for South Asian contemporary artists in Canada. 

www.sharnbassi.com
Instagram: @sharnbassiart
TikTok: @sharnbassiart

Artist Bio: Asli Alin is a multidisciplinary visual artist working across painting, illustration, and sculptural installation, with a primary focus on public art. Much of her work is commissioned for semi-permanent display in public spaces or presented in open exhibitions and curated events — contexts that have shaped her understanding of how art functions in dialogue with site, audience, and curatorial intention.

Her practice is driven by the intersection of nature, architecture, and materiality. Working across clay, acrylic, aluminum, and fiber, she creates immersive, site-responsive installations that explore how material choice and spatial design shape the way audiences move through and relate to a work.

Commissions for municipalities and Business Improvement Areas across Ontario have brought her work into shared civic spaces, and her installations have been presented at Nuit Blanche Toronto, DesignTO, Supercrawl, and Lumière: The Art of Light, among others. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture — a foundation that informs her collaborative approach to working with architects, engineers, and fabricators — and is based in Toronto, Ontario.

Artist Statement: Inspired by the colors of the Uruguayan flag, white and blue gradients would cover the Beaver’s entered body. The Sun of May is the main character and since the run represent freedom and independence, it is accompanied by a group of running horses, one of the most common animal in Uruguay. Surrounding the body, there is also Durante flowers, which are very common in Uruguay. On the ball appears the famous “firulete oriental” ornamental design that are easily recognizable on the streets.

Artist Bio: La Pupila is a  Colombian artist based in Toronto. Her art focuses on exploring feminine energy, often with an aura of melancholy. Through symbols, distorted forms and evocative faces, she hopes to illustrate her fears, hopes and desire for a tender world.

While her work is deeply personal, La Pupila approaches these themes with a poetic and gentle visual language, creating space for introspection and connection. It is an exploration of memory, emotions and the transformative power of symbols.

Artist Statement: This design presents the United States as a visual journey that wraps around the beaver sculpture in one continuous panoramic band. The artwork highlights major geographic and cultural regions through bold silhouettes, recognizable symbols, and flowing colour transitions.

The beaver is wearing a custom USA soccer jersey inspired by the American flag, with red, white, and blue face paint and a stylized USA soccer ball beneath his paw.

The landscape begins on the West Coast with coastal imagery including a sun, ocean wave, and palm trees, then moves through the mountains and deserts of the American West and Southwest. The design flattens into the Midwest with golden wheat fields, the Chicago skyline, and the Great Lakes. The South follows, represented by a trumpet and magnolia flower to reflect the region’s cultural depth and musical influence, alongside a raised fist symbolizing the ongoing pursuit of social justice. The journey concludes on the East Coast with the Statue of Liberty, an urban skyline, and an Atlantic wave.

The beaver’s tail highlights the United States beyond the mainland, with tropical imagery representing Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Together, the sculpture celebrates the geography, culture, and diversity of the United States through a vibrant and unified visual story. 

Artist Bio: Alyah Holmes is an award-winning illustrator, telling visual stories in a vibrant and playful approach. Her colorful work celebrates expressive characters, culture, and richly detailed compositions, appearing on book covers, public art, packaging, advertising campaigns and more. She has had the pleasure of working with clients including Coca-Cola, Nike, Penguin Random House, and the Los Angeles Times.

Artist Statement: The beaver design draws inspiration from Uzbekistan’s rich textile traditions, particularly the Suzani. This historic form is deeply embedded in the region’s cultural identity and has long served as an expression of craftsmanship, storytelling, and continuity across generations. Through colour, pattern, and symbolism, it communicates histories that extend far beyond decorative design.

The sculpture uses the colours of the Uzbek national flag (blue, white, green, and red) as a visual foundation. Rather than applying these colours in flat sections, they are integrated through flowing pattern and layered composition, reflecting the movement and rhythm found in traditional Suzani textiles.

Suzani motifs are incorporated throughout the design, including floral and medallion patterns that reference themes of growth, hospitality, and protection. These motifs appear across the beaver’s form and extend onto the soccer ball, creating visual continuity throughout the sculpture. The tail features a stylized map of Uzbekistan adorned with Suzani-inspired elements, highlighting the country’s cultural landscape.

The beaver’s natural colouring is intentionally preserved beneath a patterned coat inspired by traditional Uzbek garments. A sculpted Uzbek skullcap sits atop the beaver’s head, adding a recognizable cultural element and reinforcing the connection to Uzbek identity and fashion.

Conceptually, the sculpture becomes a meeting point between two cultural symbols: the Canadian beaver and the visual language of Uzbekistan. In the context of a global event like the World Cup, the piece celebrates both cultural specificity and the shared spirit of international connection within Toronto’s multicultural public space.

Artist Statement: Veeda Tanwir is a Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist whose work explores cultural memory, migration, and identity. Working across painting, digital media, textiles, and installation, her practice draws inspiration from Central Asian visual traditions and the ways cultural narratives travel across borders and generations. Through layered compositions, symbolism, and pattern, she examines how heritage is carried through family histories, objects, and collective storytelling.

Textile traditions, particularly from Central Asia, play an important role in Veeda’s work. She frequently references historical motifs, colour systems, and decorative forms to explore the intersection of past and present.

Tanwir has participated in several exhibitions and curatorial projects in Toronto, including group exhibitions featuring Afghan and diaspora artists and collaborative installations exploring themes of culture, displacement, and belonging. In addition to her artistic practice, she has worked on community initiatives and mentorship programming supporting youth engagement through creative storytelling.

JJBÜCKAR was founded in 1997 and operate an old-world fine jewellery workshop that has come to be known as the jeweller’s jeweller.  They specialize in fantastical coloured stone jewellery creations and custom sculpted and fabricated items in various precious metals.  The workshop- lead by Jacob, fabricate Julie’s whimsical designs using a myriad of techniques from old world hand fabrication to modern 3dCAD printing.  

Over the years, JJBÜCKAR has been awarded over a dozen international design Awards from American Gem Trade Association, Manufacturing Jewellers & Silversmiths Association and from the Canadian Jeweler’s Association. Today, the workshop has scaled its production to accommodate exclusive private commissions and service their existing clientele in Toronto and abroad. For more information and to see more of their work see www.JJBuckar.com

The Beaver sculpture, being a great opportunity for JJBÜCKAR to showcase their design and manufacturing talents, decided to bring on another couple that would help transfer their experience and vision from Fine Jewellery to Public Art right in their own neighbourhood. While JJBuckar created the original designs and structural components, they needed to expand the team for this particular project.

Finding the perfect collaborative balance between technical components and highly specialized craftsmanship, from table sculptures to fine jewelry, co-creation explores new territories.  JJBÜCKAR brought on Baris Direnc Altinay, a renowned monumental sculptor and his wife Selin Altinay as a 3D designer and accomplished sculptor in her own right, to tackle this project together. A highly dedicated husband-and-wife team that specialize in sculpture, hyper-realism, digital production, 3D printing & scanning, prototyping, film prop fabrication and monumental sculpture. See more of their previous work at www.atelier233.ca

Photo Credit: Nell Chitty

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