Here to Stay - Town of Cobourg Public Art Project

This work was commissioned and funded by the Town of Cobourg. It is inspired by my two mothers and their move from our family’s longtime farm house in Courtice, ON to a small beach house in Cobourg, ON in 2019. The piece celebrates the deep sense of belonging they have found since, within a community that has embraced them and many other same-sex couples living throughout Cobourg and Northumberland County.

Having witnessed my parents build authentic friendships and finally experience true acceptance, I was compelled to honour their story through this work. Their journey reflects both resilience and joy—the triumph of finding home after years spent navigating spaces that were not always welcoming.

The design extends beyond the personal, serving as a broader tribute to the lesbian community that thrives in Cobourg. It celebrates non-traditional families and offers a space of visibility, comfort, and affirmation for queer individuals and visitors alike. Each flower depicted takes on the personification of each of my parents. The colour palette is drawn from the seven-striped lesbian pride flag, featuring gradients of pink, orange, and red that symbolize warmth, vitality, and inclusivity. Executed in my signature flat, graphic style. Rooted in printmaking and children’s book illustrations, the composition balances playfulness with intentionality, inviting viewers into a scene that reflects the vibrancy and openness of Cobourg’s evolving community.