Mississauga, ON – July 12, 2024
by Lejla Pepeljak
The Beauty of Bees Art Exhibition was a buzzing success, drawing art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike to celebrate the crucial role of pollinating bees and local visual artists. Held at Mississauga’s Pollinator Garden this past weekend on July 7, 2024, the exhibition highlighted the artistic talent of local artists and involved the public with classic renditions of pop songs giving the ultimate Bridgerton garden party vibes.
Visitors were treated to a vibrant display of artwork inspired by themes of nature, bees, and the essence of spring, commemorating Mississauga’s 50th anniversary with creativity and reverence. The open-air setting of the garden provided a fitting backdrop, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in both art and nature.
Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice award, adding an interactive element that engaged the community in supporting their favourite pieces. Cash prizes were awarded to the top three artists, recognizing their skill in capturing the beauty and significance of bees through various artistic mediums.
This year’s winners, Beauty of Bees, 2024.
This year’s People’s Choice award was bestowed upon Khurrum Javaid for his captivating collage, adorned with 50 meticulously placed dots symbolizing Mississauga’s half-century milestone.
The exhibition also recognized Nada Khatib who claimed third place for her enchanting piece. Second place was awarded to Cesar A. Bonilla Guerrero for his hyper-realistic depiction of an eye dripping with honey, embellished with precious bees. Finally, first place was earned by Frances Chang for her digital portrayal capturing the essence of Mississauga’s 50th anniversary. Their contributions not only showcased artistic talent but also reinforced the exhibition’s theme of honouring nature and community through creative expression.
The exhibition not only showcased the artistic diversity of Mississauga’s local talent but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the vital role that bees play in it on a very sunny Sunday in Streetsville!
Congratulations to all the participating artists on a show well done!
Anna Bandyk, Asma Sahar, Carla Gonzalez Casanova, Cesar A. Bonilla Guerrero, Chris Erskine, Frances Chang, Jayasree Koppayil Gopalakrishnan, Karen Plumb, Khurrum Javaid, Kimberely Popoff, Lesley Priestley, Madhav Saravanan, Nada Khatib, Navya Shivshankar, Nicole Gabriela Bonilla Mendoza, Roger Alfonso, Saundarya Ganesh, Sajenie Sivakaran, Salma Khan, Serena Lee, Shirley Boyes, Wendy Heagney-Bakewell, and Ylana Luigi.
