New mural completed at Helping Hand Food Bank

Tillsonburg Helping Hand Food Bank coordinator Samantha Hamilton, left, and Station Arts Centre executive director and artist Tabitha Verbuyst stand next to the recently completed painting in the food bank. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

The Helping Hand Food Bank intake room is brighter and more cheerful thanks to the addition of a large painting at the front of the room.

“The volunteers are welcoming, the processes are welcoming, but the space didn’t match,” said Helping Hand Food Bank coordinator Samantha Hamilton.

She noted it felt like an old school – which it is – and wanted it more inviting and warmer. Hamilton went to the Station Arts Centre and asked if an artist would like to complete a painting on the former blackboard.

“Tabitha (Verbuyst) jumped on board and volunteered to help out,” she said.

Verbuyst said Hamilton had an idea for a design incorporating vibrant florals and hands.

“From that idea, I figured adding fruits and vegetables would make sense and keep it more vibrant and inviting.

The 4 x7-foot blackboard took Verbuyst an entire weekend to complete. She had to sand the areas where the design would go, block them out with primer, and then apply the paint. The entire process took about 25 hours.

The painting was part of work to renew the building as a whole and included painting the hallways and other rooms. This project will hopefully be one of many collaborations between the food bank and Station Arts Centre.