Public art exhibition creates space for participation, reflection and renewal at Rideau Heights Community Centre

From the outside it may look like a simple shipping container, but step inside, and you’ll discover something unexpected. From May 20 – 31, visit The Clearing, a new public art exhibition on MacCauley Street in front of the Rideau Heights Community Centre. The exhibition is created by Kingston artists Marney McDiarmid and Clelia Scala, and its installation at the Centre is supported by the City’s Arts & Culture Services department.  

In this work, the artists have transformed a shipping container from an object used to move goods around the world into a calm, nature-inspired space where people can slow down, reflect, and connect. Originally shown at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, The Clearing is intended to help visitors feel relaxed and find comfort in a busy yet beautiful world.  

One of the inspirations for The Clearing is called a “sit spot,” a practice of sitting quietly in nature and carefully observing what is around you. Using clay, paper and other materials, the artists have created artworks within the space based on their own experiences in nature.  

Visitors are also invited to take part. Bring along personal papers such as old letters, journal pages or notes and use the onsite shredder to turn them into pieces that can be added to the space. As more people contribute, the exhibition will continue to grow and change over time. Learn more about the exhibition and the artists on the City’s website.  

The exhibition includes a poem by Sadiqa de Meijer, sound design by Matt Rogalsky, and an exterior mural by Lee Stewart. 

Check out The Clearing at Rideau Heights Community Centre, 85 Maccauley St. during the scheduled hours below: 

This exhibition is aligned with the City of Kingston’s Public Art Strategy and priority projects to deliver public art and arts-based activations in the Rideau Heights neighbourhood. Previous projects and installations include Wahkohtowin, an interior mural at the Rideau Heights Community Centre by Jaylene Cardinal and Dakota Ward, and a photo exhibition of the winners of the Rideau Heights Photo Contest.