Painted Picnic Tables are coming back
By Cecilia Nasmith
In partnership with the Downtown Business Improvement Area, the Town of Cobourg is calling on local artists to submit their best creative picnic table designs to be displayed throughout Downtown Cobourg this summer.
The Painted Picnic Table Program was launched in 2021 as an initiative to find new and creative ways of displaying original work from local artists. On display last summer, these tables help to beautify and transform Cobourg's downtown area by adding colourful, unique displays handcrafted by local talent. They also did double duty by offering extra seating in support of downtown businesses and restaurants, beckoning both residents and visitors to take a seat and enjoy a nice meal in the sun.
“This creative initiative provides a new opportunity for our community and guests to appreciate the wonderful artistic talent we have here in Cobourg,” said Councillor Adam Bureau, Coordinator of Arts, Culture and Tourism.
“Following the great response from the program in 2021, we can’t wait to once again see the images and comments we receive of people interacting with the tables.”
The town will provide 10 picnic tables and all painting supplies, as well as a covered location where artists can work their magic. These unique creations will make their first appearance Friday, July 8, in time for the Downtown Cobourg Pedestrian Friendly Walkway, and will remain on display throughout the downtown and waterfront areas for the remainder of the summer.
Local artists are encouraged to submit their designs no later than June 3 to Community Events Co-ordinator Jackie Chapman-Davis by e-mailing jchapmandavis@cobourg.ca. Artist whose designs are selected will each receive a $300 honourarium. For more information about the program, contact Chapman-Davis at 905-373-7976.
The town is also looking for a creative new name for the Painted Picnic Table Program. Share your thoughts at EngageCobourg.ca (an on-line public-engagement platform designed to gather feedback and comments from residents) or leave a comment on the town's social-media posts by June 10. A final selection will be made by a panel consisting of Bureau and town staff members.
