TESS Vision x Mission Murals
Application: Linearity Curve
Organization: Artworks TO Media Program x Toronto Employment & Social Services (TESS)
Location: 779 Queensway Toronto, Ontario
Mural illustrations exploring the new mission and vision statements or TESS. Drawing inspiration from community residents, landmarks, and Indigeneity. The goal was to create two unique yet cohesive pieces to brighten the waiting and working area of the office. Standing as symbols of their values and support.
2024
Helping Hands
Staff mural reflecting the mission statement of TESS. Central to the piece is the sun, which represents the positive energy radiated between us all and to each and every client. It is a source that fuels everyone in the community, as for each day that the sun comes up, we have a commitment to help someone or make their day a little brighter. A range of residents of various ages, abilities and backgrounds surround the sun. They are supported by giant hands, which symbolize the staff and their role to play for the clients; to help and serve. Silhouettes of children rest on these hands, as the community is filled with young people and they are the foundation of the future. The trees growing out of palms include alder trees; Indigenous to the land and stand as symbols of prosperity for everyone.
Building Today, Bridging Tomorrow
Three-piece illustration is a community mural which comes together cohesively to reflect the vision statement for TESS. The backgrounds of each section have landmarks from the Etobicoke area. Part one has a public park, part two, the Humber Bridge, which is synonymous with the purpose of TESS; to support clients and build bridges, and part three with the Etobicoke Civic Center. At the forefront of the sections are a range of individuals from children and youth to adults and elders of various abilities, coming together in community. Silhouettes of sports are present to highlight the recreational life of the region, and lively hues are used throughout the people to promote diversity, and empowerment. Symbols of the Indigenous land live in the art through representations of the alder tree, alder leaves in the bottom right corner, and the ojibwe four directions flower on a child’s sweatshirt in the middle. The lively nature elements hone in on the value of prosperity for all.
