Mayor Rick Maloney graciously accepted a painting from artist, Pat Fairhead R.C.A., on behalf of the Town of Bracebridge. Fairhead, an international artist who calls Muskoka home, is a longtime patron of the Bracebridge Sportsplex and champion for active living, regularly participating in aqua therapy classes. She gifted the Sportsplex with a large painting entitled, East Bay #4 Lake Muskoka, that is located in the main lobby, and three smaller paintings on display in the lifeguard’s station.
Maintaining an active lifestyle helps seniors to stay strong and mentally fit, maintain their independence, mobility and bone health, improve balance, and reduce the risk of chronic disease. The Bracebridge Sportsplex offers a wide range of programs and activities in fitness, arts, general interest and more with membership options that fit everyone’s interests. Residents over the age of 90 can participate in all activities for free.
About the artist
Pat Fairhead came to Canada from England when she was 10 years old, and two days after arriving in Toronto she went to Muskoka and fell in love with the Canadian landscape. This sparked a life-long love affair with the wilderness, which has taken her around the world and inspired her artwork ever since.
During her career, Fairhead has had 70 solo shows nationally and internationally. Her work can be found in the Royal Collection of Prints and Drawings at Windsor Castle, England, and is represented in at least 200 corporate collections, government buildings and universities. To learn more, visit patfairhead.ca.
“I am so grateful for the generosity, thoughtfulness and care I have received at the Sportsplex. The instructors, lifeguards and entire team are always interested in how I am doing and how they can help. The care I have received here has been boundless. I hope this gift will bring attention to the first-class facility and the exceptional people who work here.”
– Pat Fairhead, Artist
The Town of Bracebridge is grateful to Pat Fairhead for this generous gift. Having this piece on display in the Sportsplex will bring new life to the space and make public art more accessible to the community. The Town approved a Public Art Policy in 2020 to direct the integration of artwork in Bracebridge, increase livability and artistic richness in town, and provide more opportunities for art awareness, appreciation and accessibility. This piece will be incorporated into the Town’s public art collection.
“On behalf of the Town of Bracebridge, I want to thank Pat Fairhead for this beautiful and generous gift. Maintaining an active lifestyle is important for all ages, and the team at the Sportsplex go above and beyond every day to encourage and support patrons on their health and wellness journeys.”
– Rick Maloney, Mayor, Town of Bracebridge
For more information on recreation programs, passes and more, visit bracebridge.ca/BeActive.
