Home | Art Fresco Public Art Project

During the summers of 2020 and 2021, Explore Waterloo Region injected colour and vibrancy into the region’s hospitality sector with the Art Fresco Table Project.

Conceived and executed by the team at Explore Waterloo Region, the Art Fresco Table project was launched in the summer of 2020 as a way to support the hospitality and arts sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. 50 picnic tables were built by St. Clements Trim Inc., and a panel of judges evaluated submissions received from interested local artists. Artists were asked to submit design concepts for the tables that both celebrated Waterloo Region and honoured those things that make Waterloo Region unique. 

Selected artists painted the tables at the former Lot 42 — a large venue that allowed the artists to work on their art while maintaining physical distancing. Paint and supplies were provided by Home Hardware’s head office in St. Jacobs and Beauti-tone Paint. 

In the fall of 2021, Explore Waterloo Region made the decision to donate all of the picnic tables, and provided them to local businesses and BIA’s to continue to brighten their spaces.

More information on the Art Fresco artists and the locations where the tables have been donated are listed below. 

  • 10 Fun Things to Do this Civic Holiday Long Weekend

    10 Fun Things to Do this Civic Holiday Long Weekend

    From waterparks and butterflies to festivals and contemporary art – there’s a lot happening this Civic Holiday long weekend in Waterloo Region! Check out our list of fun things to do.

  • Listening, learning, and reflecting: the Indigenous-owned businesses of Waterloo Region

    Listening, learning, and reflecting: the Indigenous-owned businesses of Waterloo Region

    Mulberry Design, Little Wolf and the Willow, Morningstar Designs and Luke Swinson Art are just a few local Indigenous entrepreneurs who are building their businesses in Waterloo Region and are connecting with settlers and Indigenous peoples across the world.

  • Patios are springing up in Waterloo Region

    Patios are springing up in Waterloo Region

    The patios in the Charcoal Group of Restaurants have been open since February 25, according to managing partner Jody Palubiski. More than ever during the pandemic, patios have become a critical part of a restaurant’s business model.

  • Local artist Alanah Jewell connects to her Indigenous roots through art

    Local artist Alanah Jewell connects to her Indigenous roots through art

    KitchenerToday.com – Alanah Jewell paints her own designs and sells them as part of her studio, Morningstar Designs. In less than three years, she’s also painted murals featured across Waterloo Region. Jewell also contributed two painted picnic tables for Explore Waterloo Region’s Art Fresco project

  • DISCOVER DOWNTOWN KITCHENER’S NEW ART WALK

    DISCOVER DOWNTOWN KITCHENER’S NEW ART WALK

    The artistic heart of Downtown Kitchener remains steady and is shining brighter than ever thanks to some new additions to Downtown Kitchener’s Art Walk. This self-guided walk is a collaboration between the Downtown Kitchener BIA, and the Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery.

  • EATS, DRINKS AND ART FRESCO – HOW TO SPEND A PERFECT DAY IN ONTARIO’S WATERLOO REGION

    EATS, DRINKS AND ART FRESCO – HOW TO SPEND A PERFECT DAY IN ONTARIO’S WATERLOO REGION

    TravelMammal.com – A day filled with delicious grub, refreshing drinks and stunning art on a beautiful sunny day with friends? Sign me up! Ontario’s Waterloo Region took a bold step and decided to combine both art and food. and recently launched the Art Fresco Public Art Project.

  • 14 Ways to Enjoy the Last Long Weekend of Summer in Waterloo Region

    14 Ways to Enjoy the Last Long Weekend of Summer in Waterloo Region

    The Labour Day Weekend is full of fun things to see and do in Waterloo Region, so grab your mask and get ready to have some fun! 

  • Dining “Art” Fresco

    Dining “Art” Fresco

    There’s nothing quite like sitting around a table with family and friends and having great conversations over a delicious meal. Now, take that same table, have it painted by a talented local artist, place it on one of our region’s fabulous patios, and you have the recipe for the Art Fresco Project.

  • A Better Day

    A Better Day

    A BETTER DAY Artist: Table Location:Cafe Pyrus305 King St W, Kitchener, ON N2G 1B9Artist Concept Statement:Reason … A Better Day Read More »

  • Pink Zebra

    Pink Zebra

    Lucy Lan Instagram @felinelol Table Location Cafe Pyrus305 King St W, Kitchener, ON N2G 1B9 Artist … Pink Zebra Read More »

  • A Celebration of Waterloo Region

    A Celebration of Waterloo Region Maia Lynch Table Location: EJ’s Tavern at the Baden Hotel 39 … A Celebration of Waterloo Region Read More »

  • Acknowledge

    Acknowledge Chelsea Brunette-Hodzic Instagram: @flora.dawn.art Table Location: Coming to a patio near you Spring 2021! Artist … Acknowledge Read More »

Scroll to Top