A local arts & culture initiative of

WIND ROSE
DESIGN
COMPETITION

#Hello,
See You Around

In March 2023, the second of three winning concepts was installed on the Downsview Wind Rose following a competition for emerging designers. "See You Around" by emerging artist Sherri Gallowitz, highlights the diverse local community and Downsview Park as a gathering place. Climb to the top of the mound and share your photo with #Hello_SeeYouAround !

The installation celebrates a cross-section of community members who are the heart of Downsview. Photographs of individuals, friends and families (plus a few canine companions) form a circle of humanity that demonstrates the simple joy of being, in this moment, in this special place. Dedicated to inclusion and accessibility, the project’s goal is to build community.

#Hello_SeeYouAround

Meet the Artist

Sherri Gallowitz is an emerging artist and graphic designer who lives in the Downsview area. She was inspired to enter the Wind Rose design competition during one of her daily visits to Downsview Park with her dog. The project has helped deepen her relationships with the local community. In her professional work, Sherri leads G4Change, which helps non profit and social profit organizations with branding and communications.

The Downsview Wind Rose

The Downsview Wind Rose is a radial network of 16 square arches arranged in a compass-like formation on the highest mound in Downsview Park. It is named after a time-honoured tool invented by meteorologists that maps the direction and speed of the wind in a specific location.

Since fall 2021, the Downsview Wind Rose has hosted a range of community installations, and in fall 2022, emerging designers from across the GTA were invited to propose new temporary works for the structure. A panel of local and city-wide public art experts selected three winning proposals. These concepts will be installed, each for around 10 weeks.

The Competition Proposals

(Click to expand)

Standing Ovation... 16 Influencers

Saint Patrick Secondary: Andrew Bael, Beatrice Diana, Adrian Fevlo, Logan George, Jessica Lu, Erin Manalo, Mari Mendoza, Jabez Penullar, Maryrose Sabio, Madeline Sevilla

The students agreed this competition would be the perfect opportunity to capture a familial connection with a grandparent by creating a digital portrait honouring their essence. Elders as “influencers” is the starting point of this exhibition. The modern notion of “influencer” is challenged by interpreting it through the lens of family history, culture and identity. Sixteen royal portraits will magnify the spirit, courage and kindness of each subject. The figures will be depicted wearing a magnificent assembly of artifacts fashioned into a crown of distinction that speaks to their legacy. Each students will answer the question “I know this because...”

JURY COMMENTS:
“Lovely work, and so interesting to reframe elders as influencers”

“I love this idea.”

WINNER: Wind Blessing in Red

Zishuo Li & Yifu Ding

Wind, a blessing of nature, is the elemental force that pollenizes and seeds; Red, a colour of fire, is the symbol of passion and love. Language, a system unique to humans, is the keystone for cultural development. This installation incorporates the three to bring visitors a multisensory experience. The bright red and vivid movements are perceptible from a distance downhill. Immersed in the sound of air brushing against fabric, visitors are invited to read wishes collected from the
community, written in everyone’s own languages. It’s a celebration of our multicultural community and a blessing to all beings around us.

JURY COMMENTS:
“Visually stunning!”

“It leaves a strong single visual impression”

“I love the community engagement component of this proposal. From afar, it will have a dramatic appeal.”

Woman Life Freedom زن زندگی آزادی

Shayan Mahoutforoush, Behrad Sajasi

The proposal intends to raise awareness of the human rights violence within Iran to reach a broader audience. The aim is to utilize the pavilion as a base for community gatherings that can work to construct a crusade against violence toward women. The artworks depict stories of lost innocent souls, made by an artist named Shadi that lives and works in Tehran. The movement in Iran is called "Women, life, freedom," which is becoming the biggest feminist movement of the century that has reemerged from the death of Mahsa Amini on September 16, 2022, killed by the Morality Police.

JURY COMMENTS:
“I think the idea is great and creates a space for dialogue on a current event topic.”

“This is an urgent message of this time and I love that this location can be used to further the message. It is focused to a specific political issue but the plight of equity for women is universal.”

Wellbeing for All Forever

Catherine Economopoulos

This proposal is a bold reimagining of the existing structures as they stand within a vibrant landscape. At its core, this project intends to restructure a solely visual installation into one that champions dynamic placemaking, playfulness, and social unity for residents and visitors alike. My vision for the Wind Rose installation involves interactive components meant to invite viewers of all ages towards the work to engage and connect with each other and community heritage, alternated with more traditional artistic and educational pieces to amplify and honour the stories of Downsview at large. Thus, the project highlights and reflects the importance of the slogan “wellbeing for all forever” – the wellbeing of the body, mind, and soul.

JURY COMMENTS:
“This is a compelling and inclusive way to engage stories of Downsview.”

“I really appreciate the interactivity and the considerations given to sustainability.”

Learn more about the Downsview Wind Rose and previous installations.

This installation is part of XOXO Downsview, a local arts and culture initiative of Northcrest Developments and Canada Lands Company — landowners who are collaborating on a new development adjacent to Downsview Park.

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Advisory Committee Jury Pool

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#Hello, See You Around

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See You Around