Uncommon Common Art is great family fun!
Uncommon Common Art is Great Family Fun!
Since he was about 4 years old, Thomas (10) has been obsessed with the Uncommon Common Art program.
He loves it so much, that I decided to write about our experiences in hopes that some others will go out and enjoy it, too!
Here’s what the website says:
Uncommon Common Art (UCA) is a community wide art exhibit that highlights two of Kings County’s greatest assets – the natural beauty of the Minas Basin Valley and the abundance of creative people who live in the area.
his innovative seasonal project brings visual art out of institutions and galleries and shares it directly with the community, making it accessible to everyone. UCA was born out of a simple observation of the sometimes subtle and beautiful impact that humans have on nature. While we are inundated with news and information about mankind’s negative impact on our natural surroundings, this project promotes and recognizes our creative and beautiful touches in nature.
Through this project we hope to engage and educate about art, environment, physical activity, and our rural community. In addition we seek to promote, support, and bring together artists and their work.
How Uncommon Common Art Works
There are usually 17 art installations all over Kings County that are out between June and October.
Pick up your booklet at a visitor information centre, or some of the local cafes may have them, too.
Inside the booklet, there is a map showing where all the installations are located. Each page has more information and directions on how to get to each piece.
Once you get there, there is a sign board explaining the installation.
At the bottom of the sign, there is a raised number. Do a rubbing at the back of your booklet, over top of the corresponding number.
Once you have seen all of the installations, there are instructions as how to send in your ballot for a monthly prize draw!
Why We Love Uncommon Common Art
Thomas loves maps, and he loves numbers. When he was 4, he kept the map for the Uncommon Common Art exhibits in his car seat cup holder. He could tell you every number and what exhibit it was, without looking. He still can from previous years.
To him, it’s like a big scavenger hunt. He loves the joy of finding the art in a public place, and he loves crossing them off his list.
Every year he has his favourites, and sometimes we go back to see them a few times!
We get to drive around the countryside, explore new places, and talk about the meaning of the art.
Uncommon Common Art Events
There are great programs offered through Uncommon Common Art from summer camps, workshops and weekly artists talks.
Check the website for details on these events.
You can also support the program through the Eye Candy Machines. Buy a token and, like a gumball machine, you will receive a piece of art from one of the artists, from the machine!
Whether you are ambitious and try to see them all, or even take in a few near you, please go out and support this great program. It’s free, so take advantage!
You may be inspired to make some of your own art!
Learn more about Uncommon Common Art
