If you haven’t noticed the vibrant artwork that’s been popping up all over downtown Fort Frances lately, there’s a perfect opportunity to drink it all in this Friday.
The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Fort Frances BIA are in the middle of their Windows Alive art project, an initiative that has invited local artists to partner with Scott Street area businesses to help beautify the downtown core with custom artwork on storefront windows. This Friday, May 1, officially marks the grand opening of the project, and both local organizations are inviting the public to come down to the Rainy Lake Square at 1 p.m. to take part in an art walk that will allow for everyone to take in all of the different pieces of art that now live on the town’s main drag. The walk will stop off at each painted window and let the participants take in the detail on display, and will eventually conclude with sweet treats supplied by Safeway Fort Frances, and beverages supplied by McDonalds.
Rhonda Howells is the marketing and events planner for the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce and BIA, and she said the project has succeeded in its goal of giving the downtown core something of a makeover.
Art by Raena Saunders at The Studio.
“The Windows Alive Art Walk has officially transformed the downtown core into a vibrant, walkable art gallery, marking a major milestone in the community’s ongoing business revitalization efforts,” she explained.
“What began as a creative initiative has evolved into a unique community tourist attraction, drawing both residents and visitors into the heart of the business district. Storefront windows now serve as canvasses for local artists, each piece telling a story that reflects the identity, history and spirit of the region.”
At the project’s launch in March, the goal was to paint some of windows of empty properties along the Scott Street stretch of downtown, but Howells said that after some discussion, most of the excitement for the idea came from business owners who were up and running downtown. So, the project swapped over to teaming up local artists with local business owners, and the impromptu teams would then collaborate on a piece of artwork that resonated with them, or even fit some kind of theme for the business.
“We applied for a grant, and the basis of the grant was art that had anything to do with Fort Frances: landmarks, animals, Indigenous artwork, anything to do with the community and its origin and history,” Howells explained at the time.
“[Chamber of Commerce director Heather Johnson] and I went around from business to business and dropped off letters and we had 16 businesses that were interested in doing the windows. We talked to Fine Line Gallery and some local artists and were able to cover some of those windows, but we also wanted to incorporate some of our youth… and hopefully we can get it done within the next month or so.”
Just over a month later, and the project seems to have taken off. More than a dozen businesses have seen their windows beautified with artwork that spans different themes that resonate with life in Fort Frances, from the logos of local sports teams to regional landmarks, Indigenous teachings and beyond. Some artwork is large enough to encompass the entire store window, and yet others add a colourful touch to just a small area or the border of a window. No matter the size or content of the artwork, the diversity on display is something Howells said was intended to cover a wide number of purposes.
“The project was designed with a clear purpose, to activate the downtown core, increase pedestrian traffic, provide local artists a canvas to spotlight their talents, and create and engaging walkable experience that encourages people to explore and reconnect with local businesses,” she said.
“By turning everyday spaces into artistic showcases, the art walk invites visitors to slow down, look closer and spend more time in the area. Beyond its economic impact, Windows Alive plays an important cultural role. The exhibit highlights local Indigenous culture, landmarks and stories that are deeply symbolic to the region. Through this visual storytelling, the project contributes to the community’s broader Truth and Reconciliation efforts by recognizing and celebrating Indigenous perspectives and heritage in a meaningful, accessible way.”
Howells said she hopes that everyone will come down to the Rainy Lake Square this Friday at 1 p.m. to take part in the Windows Alive grand opening, as well as to mix and mingle with the artists and business owners who have taken part in the project so far, adding that the artwork on display will hopefully continue to inspire local residents and those passing through.
“We hope the art walk will continue to serve as a gathering point, where art, culture and commerce intersect, while fostering a renewed sense of identity and regional pride,” Howells said.
“With its blend of creativity and purpose, the Windows Alive art walk stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to reimagine its shared spaces.”
