I have had the honour of working in public art since 2017. I have held roles as a curator, as a selection panel member, as a cultural advisor, and as an artist. I have enjoyed the collaborative and collective nature of the work and I appreciate that public art is rooted in building partnerships and uplifting the community.
The following projects are my work as an artist in public art & installation.
The Perspectives public art program showcases local artistic talent on a large scale in the pedestrian tunnel of the passenger terminal at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Every six months, there are new works on display, and feature artists and their unique perspectives on Toronto’s vibrant cultures, neighbourhoods, attractions and environment. My artwork will be on display until December 2025.
Canada Goose Family, 2025
Heron, 2025
I had the honour of participating on this project with the city of Pickering, designing four permanent art panels for the newly revitalized Beachfront Park. The artworks will be located as part of a new railing on the elevated walkway and cycling route at Beachfront Park.
The panels are still in production and installation will be in August 2025.
Beachfront Park is located at the south end of Liverpool Road and extends from the Frenchman's Bay harbour entrance on the west, over to Alex Roberson Park on the east. It is made up of a barrier beach that separates Lake Ontario from Frenchman's Bay and the Hydro Marsh.
Pickerel, 2025
Pike, 2025
Heron, 2025
Two permanent public for the revitalization of the Whitby waterfront
Installation Summer 2025
Large-scale, permanent indoor art installation
Invited finalist for public art contest in Mississauga’s Great Hall in the Mississauga Civic Centre
2025-Present (Artist selection in progress)
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Loon Family
Vinyl banner installed throughout 2024 and returning in 2026
North Bay, ON
Nature in Concord
2023
This piece is a narrative about community. In the canopy is a symphony of different beings,
all intertwined and living as one. Creatures who live in balance alongside one another in a commentary on the importance of community. Together in a hoop made of roots, which represents not only the tree that all this life is residing and thriving in, but also expresses the importance of creating roots in community that will allow for people and families to grow stronger.
Seven Grandfather Teachings
2018
Copyright © 2025 Tessa Shank