This 20 x 24 oil painting was created as part of…

a collaboration between the City of Oshawa and Durham College’s Fine Arts program. Each student in the program was tasked with creating a piece of artwork to be displayed at one of three community centres in the city. My cohort was assigned to observe the Second Marsh conservation area, the largest remaining urban wetland in the GTA, and create a piece of work based on or inspired by the nature and wildlife we interacted with. In order to gather information and observe the wildlife, the Friends of the Second Marsh (volunteers and staff dedicated to preserving and appreciating the wildlife) took us on a tour through the marsh. I was surprised that such a large patch of nature could exist, and even thrive, deep in the heart of Oshawa. And while the wildlife and scenery were truly beautiful, the dedication that the volunteers had to preserving and caring for the plants and animals in the conservation area truly inspired me. So I dedicated this painting to appreciating them and commemorating all they do for the area and the wildlife.