Annabelle Harvey and Corbin Elliot are partners: in life, love, and art. Thanks to their creative pursuits, now they are also joined in the recognition of their work along the Lakeshore overpass.
See related: Banner art will beautify the Lakeshore Drive overpass
The City of North Bay, in collaboration with the Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC), recently held an event to acknowledge the successful applicants for the Lakeshore Drive overpass banner project. This initiative features 14 artworks created by local artists, highlighting the ongoing commitment to bringing public art to the community and celebrating local talent. The banners were installed early last week.
On behalf of PAAC, Katie Bevan noted that 71 submissions were received for the banner art project. "Selecting just 14 artworks from such outstanding submissions was no small feat. It truly highlights the incredible creativity within our community — and it's only growing."
Bevan acknowledged all who submitted their work and congratulated the 14 winners:
- Caitlin Daniel
- Corbin Elliot
- Adam Fielder
- Ian Gauthier
- Ruby Grant
- Annabelle Harvey
- Penny Heather
- Robert Johannsen
- Robyn Jones
- Gerry McComb
- Victoria Primeau
- Tessa Shank
- Rana Thomas
- Claudia Torres
"This is the first time I've participated in something city-wide, and I've been really interested in getting more involved in the art community," said Harvey, a teacher by vocation when not helping to beautify North Bay. "I've worked a lot with the WKP Kennedy Gallery and I've been putting in submissions for some of their group shows. So, this is a cool opportunity to try something new. This is the first time I have done digital work. Usually, I like painting and collage. So I was interested just to try something new."
In September 2023, public art gained more prominence in North Bay as 12 pieces by eight local artists selected by the Public Art Advisory Committee were placed on aluminum panels mounted onto the public buildings in both Champlain and Sunset parks.
VIDEO: Artists thrilled to share their passion with community
Harvey's partner Elliot is an emerging artist and a Fine Arts graduate from Nipissing University who says his passion for bringing his vision to life has only grown, thanks, in part, to these public art initiatives.
"There is so much opportunity to have a lot of different public art in different spaces," he says. "So, when I saw that there was a variety of different artists and voices being accepted, of course, I wanted to have my vision out there in the city, to make my mark and be a part of that kind of trajectory of building the art scene within the city."
See: 'Meet me at the sculpture at the waterfront'
The couple share a studio space, often working on separate projects at the same time while collaborating with encouragement and ideas.
"We are working on different mediums, a lot of the time," Elliot said. "We have our own corners set up in the studio and I'll usually be on my easel and Annabelle will be doing something..."
Harvey picked up his thought, "I'm usually at my desk doing pottery, jewellery, collage — I do a lot of different things."
For Harvey, working so closely together is her "favourite part, especially watching his creative process."
Elliot added, "I think I'm more non-verbal as I'm creating. I often hear you saying, 'Oh, I think I like this.'"
Both have active Instagram pages featuring their artwork, Harvey's can be found here, and Elliot's here.
Elliot has a show at the WKP Kennedy Gallery, entitled "Upon a Star," opening Sept. 13. "I'll have my own solo exhibition. I typically work in painting. I have a big body of work with paintings," he said.
The City of North Bay and PAAC encourage everyone to take a moment to appreciate these works of art when passing by the overpass.
See also: City gives the green light for more public art on traffic boxes
Harvey and Elliot are thrilled about the banner art project.
"It's like seeing your vision come to life. We've had lots of friends, even before we saw them today say excitedly, 'I saw your work on the overpass,' it's just a proud moment to have so many eyes on our work."
