About the Art
The “Roots” mural was inspired by the conversations and dreams of youth and community members living in the Vaughan-Oakwood neighbourhood. When asked, “What does community mean to you?”, the responses painted a story of acts of hope, resistance, unity, and resilience. The mural pays homage to the diverse tapestry of cultures and histories that many call home, celebrating the elders, youth, and community members who live and thrive in the Vaughan-Oakwood area. The mural name not only connects to plants and the time it takes for flowers to grow, but also speaks to the past and present migrant populations who left their old homes and built roots in this area. Inspired by different flowers and wildlife found in the Caribbean, like Jamaica and Grenada, the flowers symbolize the beauty of the life and people living here. Even though flowers can be uprooted from different environments, with time and nurture, they can thrive in any circumstance and environment while sowing their roots into the ground. As this piece is a celebration, it also symbolizes the deep connections and interwoven stories that form the foundation of this dynamic community, celebrating the strength and resilience of its people.
About the Artist
Sarah Waithe is a second-generation Canadian artist whose family comes from Morocco and Trinidad. She creates abstract and contemporary art that goes beyond the usual ways of expressing things. Her art is like a beautiful puzzle, combining her Black and Muslim identity with stories of belonging, community, and moving to new places. It’s like a language that speaks to people’s emotions and tells powerful stories. Sarah has organized various art events with the Toronto Ward Museum and is working on projects in Scarborough to bring more art to the community. She is a passionate artist who explores her roots and shares her experiences through her captivating artworks.
More about the artist on Instagram @sarahs.artbook
Thanks to Our Partners in Art
Thank you to all the incredible youth who participated and contributed their ideas, creativity and passion. It’s because of each of you that this vision has come to life. Your dedication and enthusiasm have truly made this mural project a success. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our partners and funders, in particular the Oakwood Village BIA, For Youth Initiative, 504 Group Inc., TerraCycle Inc., and the Nia Centre for the Arts whose collaboration and support were instrumental in bringing this project to life. Together, we have turned ideas into a meaningful representation of the continued growth and cultural tapestry of the Oakwood Village BIA community.
This is a City of Toronto Cultural Hotspot Little Jamaica Special Project.
Thank you for funding support from the City of Toronto Outdoor Mural and Street Art Program.
