The next time you visit Innisfil Town Hall, check out Maria Kelebeev’s work of art. It was installed this summer as part of the Art Around the Town initiative.
When asked how she feels about her art being displayed, she said, “I am thrilled and honoured. I love this town and the huge support that it has been for my artistic career and I hope to add a lot more Innisfil-based work to celebrate this town and its amazing community.”
“I am also hoping that this particular work stays with the town as part of their collection. It was made for the town and would be awesome if it stayed with the town as a part of its history and heritage.”
When asked what the work is called, she explained, “While I never formally named it, it would be fun to have community input on the name of the work. It's the most popular, most visited beach in our famous Innisfil Beach Park.”
“It's colourful, it’s vibrant — you can feel the warm sun in the work and there is a little secret you can find if you look very intently. It was a great joy creating this work.”
Kelebeev created the art in a few months with acrylic paint on a wood panel. When asked if the town inspires her, she explained, “The nature is beautiful. There is always something breathtaking.”
“If it's not the sky being glorious, it's the fields and animals looking like a storybook, or the waterfronts peppered throughout glistening and dancing in the light.”
“There is enough inspiration in this town for a lifetime. Not to mention the excited community which welcomes all my work with such (warmth) and enthusiasm.”
Kelebeev spoke to the town’s representative about a fall installation, but she was happy when an opportunity to showcase her art presented itself in July.
With works showcased in local businesses such as Starbucks and Johnny Burger, Kelebeev painted Tim Hortons Smile cookies and used her artistic vision when she participated in the Ice Hut Art initiative for two years. She told Village Media that she is planning a collection of work that will be a keepsake book illustrating the entire town. Though the timeline is fluid, she said, “It will be made and I can't wait.”
In addition to the illustration collection, Kelebeev is working on “a more intimate and slightly more sensual collection called ‘Between the Sheets’ depicting night time, rest, sleep," and what happens in beds — all painted on stretched bedding.
"This is something completely different for me and it will be awesome to share it this fall," she said.
Contact Kelebeev through her website or Facebook and Instagram pages, and be sure to check out her artwork at local events this fall, including MakerFEST, the inaugural InnisFALL, and the Innisfil Arts, Culture and Heritage Council’s Autumn Art Show and Sale.
