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Art exhibit offers a window into creators' world

“The exhibition offered an opportunity to see people up close, during a time when closeness and connection hasn’t been possible."

CANMORE – The Curbside Museum has grown exponentially.

The micro-museum, tucked in a fence along a public sidewalk on Railway Avenue, is the brainchild of Enza Apa, and usually features a new exhibit every two months.

On display until Jan. 6, the museum recently added nine new boxes to the fence as part of the Town of Canmore’s Building Neighbourhoods Builds Community art project.

Apa said the inspiration for the Curbside Museum came while living abroad, and she started the museum in 2017.

“I always loved finding small displays in random places – like religious or memorial shrines on a busy street corner, or a display of knick-knacks in a window that faced out onto the street,” Apa said.

“Stumbling upon them was so unexpected, and would make my day. I thought the museum would be a perfect fit for the Town's project.”

After being selected for the project, Apa hand-delivered notes to her neighbours, inviting them to join in developing the project. She had a great response, not only from those who were interested in creating a display, but also from others who offered their help, including her neighbour Andy who built all the display boxes.

The project features nine exhibits along the fence, each made by a different member of the community offering a tiny glimpse into the personal world of its creator.

The creators of the displays ranged in age from six to the mid-60s and include Jane Bateman, Myla Corey, Sam Griffiths, Arnold Nickerson Kaech, Solomon Nickerson Kaech, Alicia Lopez, Douglas Maclean, and Yuka Ozawa.

“I didn’t have a set theme for the exhibition," said Apa. "Instead, I wanted them to have the freedom to make displays that reflected their own interests. I was genuinely delighted when I saw each display for the first time. They are all so thoughtful and precious and personal.”

Grade 9 student, Myla Corey created two boxes in the exhibit.

“I was really excited to work on his project. I love art and getting to be creative,” said Corey. “Having a project with an end goal was really motivating especially [with] everything going on.”

Wool Creatures features 18 felted animals created by Corey and her friend, and Sticks With Holes is a display made up of more than 150 pieces of wood with holes.

“When I was in Grade 4, near my school there were wood chip piles and I found a piece of wood with a hole in it. Since then I have collected so many from hikes, camping trips or walking around woods.”

Corey said the most rewarding part of the project has been seeing people at the micro-museum looking at the displays and peering inside. 

Sam Griffiths felt the same way about seeing people check out her display. 

A Starry Night in Canmore features a whimsical scene of Canmore made out of wool by Griffiths. The display shows wildlife that has taken over the town and the Big Head sculpture has come to life.

“I wanted to create a scene of what happens in Canmore when everyone is sleeping in the middle of the night,” said Griffiths. “It was a great distraction from the pandemic and I wanted to make something that didn’t have anything to do with COVID.

“I just wanted to make something cheerful and have a bit of fun showing off Canmore landmarks like the boardwalk, the museum and the big head.”

LEGO Man Happiness was created by Solomon Nickerson-Kaech and features a broken tape measure and some of his favourite LEGO creations.

Yuka Ozawa’s Cloud of Thoughts display shows off some of her handmade clay cups and tools.

Six-year-old Alicia Lopez created Magic Garden, which showcases coffee filter butterflies in a garden scene. Jane Bateman’s We Are Our Memories is filled with articles from her family’s past.

Douglas Maclean’s display Ski Stories takes visitors on a trip around North American ski resorts with a selection of objects collected over the years. My Past is the Route of My Future is Arnold Nickerson-Kaech’s exploration of his love of music, desire to become a DJ and features his very first violin.

“The exhibition offered an opportunity to see people up close, during a time when closeness and connection hasn’t been possible,” said Apa.

The Curbside Museum is located on Railway Avenue at Pinewood Crescent.

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