The Station Arts Centre in Tillsonburg, Ontario, is asking local artists to submit their work for a new community exhibition called Shell of a Place. This project invites creators of all skill levels to share pieces that use the turtle to represent local identity, memory, and a sense of belonging.
The exhibition includes a friendly competition where visitors can vote for their favourite piece of art. The artist who wins the People’s Choice Award will receive a $250 prize for their contribution to the show.
The event is timed to run alongside Turtlefest, which is the largest annual festival in the community. This local celebration takes place every year during Father’s Day weekend in June to celebrate town pride.
The festival and the art theme are both inspired by the legend of town founder George Tillson. He famously remarked that he hoped to be reincarnated as a turtle so he could return to watch the community he established continue to grow.
