Barrie-based art initiative expands call for submissions ahead of late-summer pop-up shows in Barrie and Creemore

NEWS RELEASE

STEEL SPIRIT

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The Steel Spirit has been steadily growing since 2017 when it hosted its first art gallery at Barrie City Hall.

Barbara Brown’s husband was preparing to head overseas for a year as a war crimes investigator. Brown was not originally from Barrie and only had a small circle of local friends at that time.

“I needed to figure out a way to keep myself busy, keep perspective and not worry about him all the time, and I enjoyed doing artwork myself to pass time. I thought, wouldn’t it be nice if I put together an art gallery and told other people’s stories,” Brown said.

The first gallery included artwork from ten military artists and brought in over ninety people to the gallery reception at City Hall.

After that, she felt compelled to continue to grow this platform for military and first responder artists. The following year she included first responders and hospital practitioners.

“These galleries are about showcasing artwork and also equally about the artists including a biography that accompanies their art. There are important stories of everyone behind their uniform. These stories resonate with so many and inspire others. This is what I’m passionate about doing,” Brown said.

Since 2017, The Steel Spirit has had pop up galleries in Nova Scotia, Alberta and Ontario. They have also published artist spotlights across Canada and host free webinars to inspire creativity.

There have now been over ninety artists involved. This has included: individuals with and without an art background, individuals with and without PTSD/OSI and ages twenty-something to centenarians from WWII.

The Steel Spirit is currently looking for artists who would like to be involved in upcoming galleries in Creemore and Barrie in August and September respectively. They are looking for a variety of artwork including: painting, drawing, photography, leatherwork, poetry and more.

If you are interested in being involved or finding out more, email [email protected] or visit the website at www.thesteelspirit.wordpress.com.

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