Doors Open in St. Catharines this Saturday

Buildings and places normally offlimits will be open this Saturday for Doors Open St. Catharines. Residents are invited to explore government buildings, local businesses, heritage sites and places of worship for free. The 24 participating locations include THK Rhythm Automotive Canada, Ridley College Memorial Chapel and dining hall and Lock Street Brewing Company. The full list, descriptions and times can be found on the city’s website at www.stcatharines.ca/doorsopen. Doors Open Ontario is an annual Ontario Heritage Trust event that St. Catharines is participating in for the first time. More than 1,000 sties across the province are participating free of charge. Other Niagara municipalities are holding events in the fall. Niagaraon-the-Lake’s event is Sept. 16 and 17 and Grimsby is set for Sept. 23.

Nominations for Trillium Awards open

It’s time to celebrate the city’s most beautiful gardens. Nominations for the 2017 St. Catharines Trillium Awards are open and all properties in the city are eligible. Awards in four categories will recognize residential and commercial-industrial properties, a significant tree and the best overall property. An individual or community organization that’s made a significant contribution to greening the community and inspiring others will also be recognized. Residents can nominate their own property or other properties online by July 21. A panel of judges will consider nominations and view the addresses in early August. Winners will be announced in October. For information or to nominate a property, go to www.stcatharines. ca/trilliumawards.

Kitschy art show at City Hall

Local artists are celebrating the tacky souvenir on the walls of city hall. Kitsch 4 Canada, a new juried exhibition, is on display at city hall on the third floor until Nov. 4. The exhibit is in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary. Artists were asked to turn souvenirs into art and explore kitsch with original artwork. Members of the public art advisory committee selected eight works by nine artists from 35 submissions by 19 artists. A reception is being held June 27 at 4 p.m. with the artists and all are welcome to attend. Two other city art exhibits are being held at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. On the Down Beat: Seventy Years of the Niagara Symphony Orchestra and Leading the Way: Pioneering Women of St. Catharines are on display until spring 2018.