2020 Artist in Residence - Jenny Mitchell

Congratulations to Jenny Mitchell. The City of Guelph’s 2020 Artist in Residence!

Mitchell’s project, called #GoldenGuelph, combines silkscreening, audio recording and storytelling to explore Guelph’s story from different perspectives. Jenny reached out to the community to collect stories and histories of Guelph through a Call for Memories during the summer of 2020. Individuals submitted photos of places, people or events from Guelph’s past, along with a description about its significance.

Over 50 submissions were received, of which, twenty were selected to have their photo silkscreened onto a t-shirt. 43 of the participants were invited to an interview with the artist to share the story behind the submitted photo, which were recorded. The collection of silkscreened t-shirts and audio recordings, and videos of the artist at work are located online in the Golden Guelph Gallery for the community to experience digitally.

“Jenny is an ideal candidate for this program,” says Danna Evans, general manager of Culture and Recreation at the City of Guelph. “Her exceptional community engagement experience, combined with a demonstrated work ethic and a passion for creative storytelling left us confident she could deliver an authentic and meaningful experience for the people of Guelph, even as we navigate through COVID-19.”

#GoldenGuelph has been delivered virtually to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

About artist Jenny Mitchell

Jenny Mitchell is a Guelph-based multi-disciplinary artist specializing in drawing, silkscreening and storytelling. She was the City of Guelph’s inaugural RBC Market Mornings Artist in 2014, and operates The Golden Bus, a mobile, collaborative arts space. Jenny is currently the Volunteer and Mobile Studio Coordinator for CFRU, and has released 11 albums of original music, giving her skills in audio recording and music production.

2020 Shortlisted finalists

About the Artist in Residence program

The Artist in Residence program is offered by the City of Guelph to broaden the community’s experience of the arts. The annual program invites artists to engage with the public and showcase their creative practices while enlivening public spaces.

Program goals

creatively animate public space(s) – indoor, outdoor and online
provide opportunities for artists to engage with the public and showcase their creative practices
broaden the community experience of the arts
contribute to placemaking and civic pride

For more information

Jen Rafter, Cultural Program and Event Coordinator
Culture, Tourism and Community Investment,
Public Services
519-822-1260 extension 2629
[email protected]

2020 Artist in Residence – Jenny Mitchell