Signs of the times

Local artist’s painting welcomes visitors to Wellington

Visitors to Wellington now have beautiful new welcome signs to greet them at the entrances to the village thanks to the Wellington Community Association.

Featuring a painting by County artist Stewart Jones, one sign on Belleville St. opposite the arena was unveiled last week by Peta Hall, a board member of the steering committee of the Wellington Community Association.

“Wellington is known for its public art,” she told the assembled group of local politicians and volunteers. “The signs are a gateway that says you are moving into an art-filled village.”

The signs located at the east, west and north ends of the village feature the name Wellington superimposed on the painting with “est. 1830” added below.

“I want to thank Stew in particular for being so unbelievably patient, so cooperative and assisting with so many things,” said Ms. Hall. “It was Stew’s idea to put Established in 1830.”

The unveiling came at the end of a very long process, she added. “It was a year of planning, agreements, permits, advisory committee, selection committee, finding the artist then agreements and more permits and more meetings and more red tape and renovations until this week when we’ve finally got the sign.”

“This is pretty terrific. A fabulous piece of art,” said Mayor Steve Ferguson. “Thanks to everyone who was involved.”

The artist Jones said: “It was a choice from a few of my paintings. We wanted one that fit with the village and represents Wellington with the colours, fields and water.”

Ms. Hall, who has been a strong advocate for public art in the village, said the signs project was a huge collaboration that adds to the beautification of Wellington. “We have the iconic banners by our own Wellingtonian Dayna Law. We have the Remembrance banners that are up. We have seven artists benches with more coming next year. We have brightly coloured doors. And we have the renovated park.”