College Heights SS students use their technical skills to collaborate with local artist

Students at College Heights Secondary School were recently commissioned to collaborate on a unique piece of metal work for local artist Mike Salisbury.

Salisbury and College Heights have been working together on various projects for over five years. This project required accurate cutting and assembly using technical drawings in addition to some very creative welding.

The working title of the piece is “Look at Me!” and will soon be exhibited in Graffiti Alley, Toronto, a popular outdoor tourist attraction that runs parallel to the trendy stretch of Queen Street West. First made popular my Rick Mercer’s rants, it has become a destination for some of the best examples of Toronto’s vibrant street art and mural culture.

Salisbury uses abandoned pay phones as a metaphor for connection and disconnection. His phone box street sculptures invite interaction with the public and other street artists, something he refers to as Anonymous Collaboration. His first Graffiti Alley installation has inspired selfies, album covers, Tik Tok videos, digital art and performance pieces on Instagram.

His most recent work will be included in a group show at the Boarding House Gallery in Guelph opening November 30th to December 12th as part of the Guelph Arts Council Mentorship Program. Please drop by and support emerging artists in Guelph.

With thanks and gratitude to the students at College Heights, “Look at Me!” will be installed by the end of November. Head down to Toronto and add your own contribution.

Categories: News