Overpass Banner Project
The Corporation of the City of North Bay in partnership with the City of North Bay’s Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC), invited artists, designers, and creative professionals with ties to North Bay and area to submit digitally created images, high quality photographs or scans of original artwork. Submissions were used to create a (36’’x92’’) banner that have been mounted onto light posts on the Main St./Lakeshore Dr. overpass.
All submissions were juried using the PAAC evaluation rubric.
Selected Artwork
Adam Fielder
Adam Fielder is a re-emerging mixed media artist based in North Bay. At thirty-four years old, he recently resumed painting after a hiatus since his teenage years, taking on commissions starting before New Year 2024. Adam attended Widdifield Secondary School, and his artwork from that period remains displayed at Chippewa Secondary School. Specializing in pop art and surrealism, he predominantly works on realistic portrait commissions of humans and animals, blending cartoonish realism with realistic cartooning. Adam utilizes traditional methods and minimal technology to blend photos and create lifelike images, often surpassing photographic realism with his touch. His advertising is currently focused on Facebook.
Annabelle Harvey
Annabelle Harvey is a North Bay-based mixed-media artist and dedicated educator, actively involved in the North Bay Potters Guild. Her artwork, characterized by vibrant hues and playful approaches, embodies a deep connection with the environment. Annabelle's creations often incorporate recycled materials and nature-inspired themes, serving as a poignant reminder of the beauty surrounding us and the importance of environmental stewardship. Her banner design draws inspiration from North Bay's community and natural landscapes, featuring a quilt pattern symbolizing both traditional unity and the potential for new cultural expressions. The imagery along the overpass reflects the city's scenic beauty, with views of trees, parks, and community monuments that hold significance for locals, particularly in anticipation of activities on Lake Nipissing, whether in winter for ice fishing or summer for sunset gatherings. You can explore more of Annabelle’s work on her Instagram profile @flowerface_art
Caitlin Daniel
Caitlin Daniel, an artist based in North Bay, ON, brings a diverse background in fine arts and graphic design to her creative work. Inspired by the natural beauty of North Bay and her Indigenous heritage, her art reflects a blend of styles. One of her pieces draws inspiration from the captivating sunsets and the tranquil moments spent around campfires. You can explore more of Caitlin's work on her Instagram profile @cdgdcreations.
Claudia Torres
Claudia Torres, originally from El Salvador, relocated to North Bay nearly three years ago to pursue Graphic Design at Canadore College. Despite initial apprehensions about moving to a new country, North Bay quickly became a welcoming haven. Claudia's love for photography and illustration blossomed as expressions of gratitude towards her adopted city. Inspired by North Bay's natural beauty, her illustrations, including "Lake Lookout," are born from cherished moments during hikes and walks. This piece reflects her favorite spot to unwind amidst college pressures, capturing the timeless serenity of the lake across seasons. You can explore more of Claudia’s artwork on her website, www.studio98.ca or Instagram: @claudiatorres1 or @studio98.ca
Corbin Elliot
Corbin Elliot is an emerging artist based in North Bay, Ontario, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours from Nipissing University (2022). Following an internship as assistant curator at the WKP Kennedy Gallery, he advanced through an artist residency and solo exhibition there, with his work also displayed throughout northern Ontario. Elliot’s vibrant paintings and illustrations focus on human connection, using complex compositions and esoteric iconography. His contemporary approach celebrates the surreal nature and abundant beauty of our shared reality. You can explore more of Corbin’s artwork on his website corbinelliotart.com or Instagram: @corbin_elliot_art
Gerry McComb
Gerry McComb, originally from Moose Factory and now based in North Bay, explores cultural identity, history, social issues, and personal healing through his art. Merging realism with surrealism, he addresses the legacy of residential schools and celebrates spiritual healing ceremonies. Recently, Gerry served as Artist in Residence at the University of Hearst, collaborating with community members and students from Hearst and Constance Lake First Nation. Beyond his artistic pursuits, he works as a cultural advisor, freelance graphic designer, and artist contractor, actively preserving culture and expressing his artistic vision. Inspired by Cree culture, Gerry frequently incorporates the eagle feather into his art, symbolizing paths of kindness, love, and resilience in overcoming challenges. The eagle feather carries deep cultural significance, traditionally gifted for major personal achievements, symbolizing both resilience and spiritual growth. Check out more of Gerry’s artwork on his facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064791786199
Ian Gauthier
Ian Gauthier, a resident of North Bay, embraces his hometown heritage, inspired by its abundant nature and community spirit. As the Youth Ambassador for JDRF and an actor, he actively engages with North Bay's cultural landscape. After briefly leaving at age 20, he returned to complete Canadore College's Environmental Technology program on April 19, 2024. Ian's art, featuring the shadfly—a symbol of North Bay's past identity—reflects his concern for the city's environment. His design, resembling a playing card, symbolizes North Bay's economic ties to the local casino and highlights environmental issues affecting Lake Nipissing and its ecosystems. His work serves as a nostalgic reflection and a catalyst for local environmental awareness.
Penny Heather
Penny Heather, a contemporary visual artist residing in North Bay, Ontario, Canada, moved to the region in 2020 due to her husband's military posting. She holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Bishops University (2014) and finds inspiration in an ethereal, nature-based spirituality and her deep passion for the outdoors. Since settling in North Bay, Penny has immersed herself in exploring the local trails and forests with her husband and two young sons. Their frequent hikes, often two to three times a day, have fostered a profound connection to the area. One cherished discovery along the Cranberry Trail was a crown of Cedar trees perched on a boulder, glowing enchantingly under the dappling sunlight—a moment that epitomizes the beauty and serenity Penny aims to capture in her artwork. You can explore more of Penny's art on her Instagram profile @penaynayjane or her website pennyheatherart.com
Rana Thomas
Rana Thomas, an artist from North Bay, Ontario, discovered her passion for art early in life, drawing inspiration from the vibrant colors of her surroundings. Specializing in acrylic paint, she uses each stroke to vividly bring the beauty of nature to life from her vivid imagination. Her artwork, deeply influenced by her environment, offers personal insights and a unique voice with every painting. Rana employs bright, bold colors and sharp, clean strokes to capture her subjects with striking clarity. While nature fuels her creativity, it is her imagination that imbues her work with enchantment. Visit her Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranacrylic and Instagram: @ranacrylic
Robert Johannsen
Robert Johannsen, born in North Bay and raised on a farm in Corbeil, East Ferris, has always had a deep connection to the North Bay area. As a teenager, he attended Ecole Secondaire Algonquin before pursuing art and illustration at Sheridan College. Now based in Mississauga, Robert continues his career as both an illustrator and fine artist. His upbringing near Lake Nipissing and Duchesnay Falls profoundly influenced his artistic perspective. Lake Nipissing, a central part of his childhood spent on its beaches and waters, and Duchesnay Falls, with its hidden beauty and misty trails, remain enduring inspirations in his work. Explore more of Robert’s work here: www.facebook.com/RobertJohannsenillustration, www.robertjohannsen.com
Robyn Jones
Robyn Jones moved to North Bay in 2017 with her husband to pursue her education in environmental science at Nipissing University. She quickly developed a deep affection for the city and its exceptionally warm community spirit, which she considers unmatched in Northern Ontario. Inspired by Duchesnay Falls, Robyn's art goes beyond capturing the physical beauty of water cascading over rocks and roots; to her, the river and waterfall embody resilience and the enduring power of nature within North Bay's urban landscape. These natural settings, like Duchesnay Falls, motivate her artistic expression, aiming to convey the joy, playfulness, and strength inherent in one of the city's most iconic natural features.
Victoria Primeau
Victoria Primeau, originally from Sundridge, relocated to North Bay to attend Nipissing University and has since chosen to make the city her home. Working across diverse mediums and styles, she has recently focused on digital art. Inspired by native species like the Walleye of Lake Nipissing, Victoria also incorporates the beauty of North Bay's waterfront sunsets into her artistic creations.
Ruby Grant
Ruby Grant, aged 10, is passionate about art and design, constantly generating new ideas for creative projects. Alongside her artistic pursuits, she enjoys cheerleading, playing soccer, skiing, and spending time with friends. Her inspiration stems from watching the stunning sunsets over Lake Nipissing, which have influenced her banner designs. Whether from the waterfront or her cottage in Callander Bay, Ruby captures the captivating beauty of local sunsets through her artistry and creative vision.
Tessa Shank
Tessa Shank is a multidisciplinary Anishinaabe artist from Nipissing First Nation, residing between NFN, North Bay, and Toronto. An alumna of OCADU, George Brown, and GIA, and a Fellow of the CGmA, she specializes in digital illustration, animation, and 3D rendering. Her work, inspired by Anishinaabe narratives and the connection to the land, merges technology and nature, past and present, embodying “Traditions of time immemorial through an ultramodern lens.” Active in public art since 2017, she is involved in three major projects and advises Toronto’s Parks and Rec on Indigenous space-keeping. Shank believes art enhances life's beauty, strengthens community connections, and fosters empathy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. View more of Tessa’s work on her Instagram @tessashank or her website: http://www.tessashank.com
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