Digging for Roots: Diversity Garden

To celebrate community diversity, both past and present, the Port Colborne Historical & Marine Museum has launched a new initiative this summer called Digging for Roots: Diversity Garden. This initiative is asking local artists to paint flowerpots showcasing what diversity means to them. Once completed, the flowerpots will be filled with beautiful flowers and displayed for the public to view starting July 31, at the Museum’s Marine Park. While residents enjoy strolling the Museum grounds, admiring the various artistic flowerpot creations during the Civic Long Weekend, they can also enjoy live music by musicians from the Niagara Symphony Orchestra. The goal of this project is to learn more about the people who shaped Port Colborne’s past and celebrate our community’s diversity and differences today. Thanks to a grant from the Niagara Region, “Digging for Roots: Diversity Garden” will showcase local artists and bring together community members to celebrate culture and diversity.

Project Coordinator, Dario Smagata-Bryan, has assisted various artists in finding inspiration by digging into the archives and finding key stories and messages to share.

Some of the artists have come up with an idea of what they want to celebrate on their pots, and some are using the information sheets that were researched and put together by Dario to paint their pot. The Port Colborne Public Library, Port Colborne Garden Club, and Roselawn have partnered with the Port Colborne Historical & Marine Museum on this initiative. With more than 30 flowerpots distributed to local artists, the Museum looks forward to showcasing the creative work and filling the pots with flowers starting July 31.

Join us July 31 and August 1 from 10 am- 10 pm for the Digging for Roots: Diversity Garden outdoor exhibit featuring over 30 artists who have designed flowerpots to celebrate the diversity of Port Colborne through the Niagara Investment in Culture Grant. Musical accompaniment at 1-2:30 and 6:00- 7:30 by Niagara Symphony Orchestra Saturday. Sunday quiet contemplation. Free Admission

This project is being supported by the Niagara Investment in Culture grant.