Art exhibition celebrates Deborah Downey’s legacy
Rubyyy Jones
Cultural Correspondent
Paris has long been a magnet for artists and creatives, drawn to the community by its natural beauty, strong sense of connection and seemingly endless sources of inspiration. Among those who left a lasting mark on that creative landscape was Deborah Downey, a multi-talented artist and accomplished soft sculpture creator remembered as much for her generosity as her immense creativity.
Now, Downey’s work will have another opportunity to inspire the community she called home, with a special exhibition of her creations planned as part of the Arty Party Pop Up at St. Paul’s United Church in Paris on Aug. 15.
The exhibition will offer visitors a glimpse into the imagination of an artist whose creativity took many forms throughout her life — and whose family hopes her work will continue to spark joy, curiosity and creativity in others.
Downey was born and raised in Brantford but came to Paris in the mid-1970s after getting married and called the community home for most of the rest of her life. She briefly relocated to Conyers, Georgia, in 1994, but became homesick and eventually returned to Paris in 1999.
The camaraderie of the community, charm of small-town life and surrounding scenery all contributed to her love of Paris, with its natural beauty also inspiring and informing her deep faith.
Downey’s creativity was evident from an early age, nurtured by a strong creative tradition on her mother Dorothy Girard’s side of the family. Musicians, singers, poets, seamstresses and community organizers were among her relatives, and family gatherings often included homemade costumed plays that showcased their collective imagination and artistic spirit.
It was a large family that gathered often, providing Downey with plenty of opportunities to be surrounded by — and influenced by — creativity.
That creativity ultimately manifested itself in an extensive and eclectic body of work, some of which will be showcased at the upcoming exhibition.
Downey’s daughter, Vanessa Simone, has worked to ensure her mother’s creations continue to be seen and appreciated.
Reflecting on her mother, Simone said, “Her work inspired me to become an artist and honestly it belongs in a museum, but until we can find a permanent home for her work, taking opportunities to showcase her work still allows it to do what it was meant to do, which is ignite people's imagination, evoke joy and whimsy, and hopefully inspire their own creativity to flourish.”
Visitors will have an opportunity to see several of Downey’s soft sculpture pieces, including Drusilla the Book Dragon, a mermaid named Eztlacha and the prize-winning Easterwood, a spiritual interpretation of the rebirth of a tree.
The exhibition will also feature a draft panel from her comic strip Chilton Churchmouse, which appeared in Early Canadian Life Magazine from 1978 to 1980, as well as a multimedia book Downey created about Iona, Scotland.
But beyond the artwork itself, Simone hopes another part of her mother’s legacy will be remembered — her willingness to create despite the fears and uncertainties that can accompany putting something new into the world.
When asked what message she believes her mother would want to share, Simone pointed to advice Downey gave her children throughout their lives.
“Mom's best advice to us was to "Do it afraid." Don't let the fear of failure stop you from trying something new. Don't let the fear of other people's perceptions stop you from being who you are called to be. Don't let the fear of rejection stop you from showing up for what you believe in or doing the work you are called to. She was human and struggled with this her whole life but she was brave enough to keep trying even when she failed, and I think that's the best any of us can do.”
It is a message fitting for an event that will not only celebrate Downey’s creativity, but encourage another generation to explore its own.
The Arty Party Pop Up takes place Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Church, 48 Broadway St. W., Paris.
Along with the exhibition of Downey’s work, the event will feature art activities for all ages, a pop-up café and mini exhibitions featuring work by children taking part in the Big Cityyy Arts and forest + folk arts and crafts Summer Camp.
The event is free to attend. Those who make a donation at the door will be entered into a raffle for art prizes, with proceeds supporting Brant Art Matters and its non-profit community programs.
For those who knew Downey, admired her creativity or are discovering her work for the first time, the exhibition offers an opportunity to celebrate her life in a fitting way, by sharing creativity, supporting community and encouraging the next generation of artists to keep trying, exploring and expressing themselves.
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