Upcycling TOM Returns: East Ridge Community School Partners with the TOM for a Sustainable Art Project

Thanks to the overwhelming success of last year’s initiative, the Tom Thomson Art Gallery (The TOM) and Owen Sound Waste Watchers (OSWW) are excited to announce Upcycling TOM 2025 with East Ridge Community School! This year, the school has come together to take on the challenge of creating upcycled artworks inspired by the iconic Canadian landscape artist, Tom Thomson. The school selected Sunset Sky, one of Thomson’s most celebrated works, as their inspiration for the project. Students worked collaboratively over the winter months, using only recycled materials — from plastic waste to old textiles, cardboard, and discarded books — to recreate the stunning colours and textures of Sunset Sky.

"The Upcycling TOM project has been an incredible opportunity for our students at East Ridge Community School to work together, showcasing not only their creativity but their commitment to sustainability, said Brent Thompson, Vice Principal of East Ridge Community School.  “From Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, almost all of our classes contributed to this initiative, and the collaboration across grades has been inspiring. It’s truly heartwarming to see our school community come together to create something meaningful while honouring the legacy of Tom Thomson. We are so proud of their hard work and dedication to making a positive impact on the environment."

The Upcycling TOM student art exhibition will be on view in the atrium of the Tom Thomson Art Gallery from April 1–30, 2025, and will be highlighted during Earth Day celebrations on Saturday, April 26, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. This offers the public an opportunity to view and celebrate the talented work of the students at East Ridge Community School.

A special Family Night will take place on Tuesday, April 29, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the TOM. The event is open to families, teachers, and students who participated in this year’s project to celebrate the incredible upcycled creations and enjoy refreshments and a tour of the TOM.

"This project builds on the success of last year’s initiative and continues to inspire our community to think about sustainability in new ways," said Deborah Eaton, OSWW Planning Committee Member. "We’re excited to see how the students’ creations will spark conversations about our impact on the planet."

Aidan Ware, Director and Chief Curator of the TOM adds, “This project is a reminder of how art can engage young people with important and challenging global topics such as the environment. The students' work showcases not only their talent but also their ability to think creatively about the world around them.”

For more information, please contact Heather McLeese, Curator of Public Projects & Education, Tom Thomson Art Gallery at 519-376-1932 ext. 5006 or email hmcleese@tomthomson.org

Quick Facts:

• The Upcycling TOM exhibition will be on view in the atrium of the TOM from April 1–30, 2025.
• Attendance to the Gallery is by donation.
• Family Night will be held on Tuesday, April 29th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• The exhibition will be highlighted during Earth Day celebrations on April 26, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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