Public Art in Oxford County
Oxford County sets the stage for a diverse multitude of public art, including remarkable murals, sculptures that enhance beautiful outdoor settings, and crosswalks which are not only painted vibrantly but that are also interactive in design and nature. The universal purpose of these works of art is to reflect our history, heritage, and community culture.
Explore public art in Oxford County. Artwork is organized by community and in order of proximity to each other.
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Public Art Tour
The Woodstock Art Gallery, located at 449 Dundas St, is a vibrant public gallery and the county’s largest, featuring rotating exhibits. It consists of 2 floors containing both contemporary and historical pieces, including the area’s largest collection of noted local artist Florence Carlyle artwork. At the heart of downtown Woodstock, this venue honours the talent and works of area artists together with regional and national creators, and is crucial in fostering the area’s collection of public art. As such, they’ve created a public art walking map including locations of each piece and interpretations/insights for each. Pick-up brochure at the WAG for walking tour planning (or use the online version). Below is a list of these sculptures and also murals to be found in the city of Woodstock.
Bruce Flowers Sculpture
Funded in memoriam by the estate of its namesake, local artist Bruce Flowers, this peaceful and beautifully tree-lined green space not only welcomes visitors for its park-like features but doubles as a vibrant open-air gallery. It features two works being Wind Vane and BIRD SET FREE.
Wind Vane
Address: 174 Vansittart Avenue
Artist: Nicholas Crombach
This piece commemorates Woodstock’s history, drawing inspiration from 19th and early 20th century weathervanes found in the Woodstock Museum’s collection.
The sculpture illustrates the complexities of life and learning, portraying a young person attempting to install a weathervane atop the cupola of Woodstock’s original town hall. Never truly succeeding in this task, the young person’s weathervane is eternalized slightly off kilter.
Picture link provided by DKL: https://www.birdsetfree.us/
BIRD SET FREE
Address: 174 Vansittart Avenue (at the corner of Ingersoll Avenue)
Artist: Duane & Urszula Kumala-Thomas
In a link provided by the artist, this work of art is outlined as seeking “ …to honour the life and accomplishments of Florence Carlyle, esteemed resident of Woodstock, Ontario and now renowned Canadian artist…the artwork offers a nuanced perspective on Carlyle's life and the evolving societal norms of her time. The central theme revolves around the juxtaposition of confinement and freedom…Featuring the birdcage with its top torn open, capped by a distorted corset, and a bird in flight, this visual metaphor embodies Carlyle's journey. It offers a unique exploration of the human form in tribute to the artist, recognizing and paying homage to her legacy, as well as her love and acceptance in connection with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Springbank Snow Countess
North west corner of Springbank Ave and Dundas St
Renowned agricultural artist, Ross Butler, lived, worked, and raised his family in Oxford County. As a significant part of local agricultural history and heritage, the collection of his works, including sculptures as well as original farm animal paintings, were also used in the development of Canadian breed standards. In 1937, the Holstein-Friesian Association of Canada consulted Butler for the design and erection of a statue featuring an award-winning Holstein cow, the Springbank Snow Countess that was installed on the old farm property (now a small park on a busy urban street. This “cow statue” is a popular stop for visitors to Woodstock to let people know they visited the Dairy Capital of Canada. Learn more in the public art walking tour brochure.
3D Butterfly Sculpture
Southside Park, 192 Old Wellington St S, Woodstock
These living art sculptures were created by Santoline Mosaiculture, a Canadian company that is world renowned for their horticultural art. The design is a nod to Woodstock’s past, a symbol of the future, and a reflection of the City’s commitment to heritage, culture, recreation and the environment. Butterflies represent hope, change and resilience. As pollinators, they also play an important role in the biodiversity and ecological health of the park. The metal base recognizes Woodstock’s industrial backbone and the skilled trades and businesses that helped the city grow over 125 years.
Art on DUB
Downtown Utility Boxes – The Woodstock Downtown BIA has transformed the city’s utility boxes into works of art through the Art on DUB project. With these unique “canvases” along the way, it transforms a walk into an amazing art experience through vibrant color and design. Learn more here.
Graffiti Art Camp Murals
Location: Whites Lane (back wall of Woodstock Art Gallery & 472 Dundas St - Museum Square)
Artist: WAG Graffiti Art Camp Students
Every Year the Woodstock Art Gallery (WAG) offers a Graffiti Art Camp where youth learn the techniques of designing and creating Graffiti. The camp ends with students completing a mural in Downtown Woodstock. Murals can be seen on the back of the Woodstock Art Gallery (Whites Lane) and in Woodstock Museum Square (across the road from the WAG).
Floral Buds
Artist: Coryn Bamber
The alley entrance to Floral Buds and Design (on Whites Lane) pays homage to the owners skin care line made with lavender from their lavender farm, Belvedere Lavender. Snap a photo with butterfly wings with sprigs of painted lavender around you.
Early Bird Coffee Woodstock Window
Artist: Sean Hammond
Elio Caporici, owner of Early Bird Coffee, wanted to celebrate his Dutch heritage at his downtown café and roastery. Elio was inspired by a delft tile from a recent trip to the Netherlands and commissioned local artist Sean Hammond to paint the café window. While here pop in and check out the rotating artwork in the café, try their house roasted beans and snap a photo of yourself sitting in the window, framed by the beautiful window art.
Finkle St Hidden Patio
Artist: Sean Hammond
Tucked away in the narrow Alley beside Finkle St Dining is a hidden patio. This small intimate patio brought wildlife into the space through a mural painted by local artist Sean Hammond.
Courthouse Square
Take an online deep dive into Oxford County’s historic centre before planning your walk through the Courthouse Square Heritage Tour. This legal and politically focused tour features the local land registry office, the unique history of the Woodstock Courthouse, as well as the Carnegie-style Woodstock Public Library.
City of Woodstock Heritage Walking Tours
Choose from 3 self-guided heritage walking tours in Woodstock including two downtown and one in the Southside park district. These exterior tours come complete with old, stately homes, Victorian architecture, and historic churches found throughout this beautiful city. Learn more.
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Thomas Ingersoll
Artist: Neil Cox
Address: 130 Oxford St., Ingersoll, ON (in the lobby of the Ingersoll Town Hall)
Carved from a singled basswood tree, the detailed wood sculpture of Thomas Ingersoll was carved by local artist Neil Cox in 2000. It stands 8 feet tall and was commissioned by the then Millennium Committee to celebrate its namesake settler. If you want to see more work by renowned sculptor Niel Cox, visit the Oxford County Courthouse Tour for a stone bust of Rev George Leslie Mackay and a wood carving in the lobby of ITOPA theatre in Ingersoll.
Indigenous Awareness Crosswalk, Veterans Crosswalk
Address: Indigenous Awareness Crosswalk – Water Street and King Street East, Ingersoll, ON
Veterans Crosswalk - Corner of King Street and Oxford Street
Artist: Patricia Marshal (Indigenous Awareness Crosswalk) and Deb Campbell in collaboration with Marshal, Ingersoll Legion Branch 119 and Veteran’s Crosswalk Committee (Veterans Crosswalk)
Founder and director of the Ingersoll & Area’s Indigenous Solidarity and Awareness Network, Patricia Marshal envisioned these artistic crosswalk projects to raise awareness in the community. The Indigenous-specific art piece was painted to bring awareness to National Indigenous History Month as a symbol of inclusion. The Veterans Crosswalk collaboration “…reflects a message of unity and respect, prominently featuring the phrase ‘lest we forget’ in both French and English, along with Indigenous languages. The Oneida phrase ‘all the people remember, thank you warriors,’ and the Anishnaabemowin (Ojibwe) phrase ‘all my relations remember, thank you warriors,’ acknowledges the contributions of Indigenous warriors, workers, and farmers. Indigenous Language Carriers from Atlohsa Family Services were consulted by ISAN Director, Patricia Marshal-DeSutter.
93 ’til Infinity: Honouring Ingersoll’s Ties to the Underground Railroad
Address: 115 Oxford Street Ingersoll, ON
Artist: Duane Kumala-Thomas, Ryan Cochran, Jason Cochran
Artist Duane Kumala-Thomas identified in a feature about the project that he wished “…to present the idea that history happened to everyone, be them black, white, both, or other. Using the familiar theme of the underground railroad as a focal point, the sculpture aims to represent Ingersoll’s involvement in accepting, aiding and growing amongst a new and increasing black population in the 1800s and beyond. The visual of train tracks breaking through the soil and springing up into the Ingersoll air will present viewers with the emphatic feeling of a journey travelled in discretion and concluded where/when in this place, travellers came up for air, settled and planted new roots.” Learn more here.
Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts (ITOPA) Mural
Address: 88 Thames St. South, Ingersoll, ON
Artist: Benji Nova (Benjamin Tran)
An initiative of the Ingersoll BIA in 2022, Nova was commissioned to paint what he calls a “…monster of a mural…” at the Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts (ITOPA.) The artist is “…a multidisciplinary artist and mindfulness teacher from London, Ontario. He approaches his art with a focus on process, and incorporates mindfulness into his creation process.” In a statement posted by the Ingersoll BIA, he explained that he painted the beautifully vibrant mural “…using spray-paint as my primary medium. My goal was to create a bright, colorful, and playful scene that celebrates the performing arts and includes a variety of characters and references to theatre. Inspired by stained-glass art, I incorporated a stained-glass effect and contrasting colors to capture the impressive changing of scenes in a play. I wanted to create a whimsical and attractive landscape that could be seen from a distance, as well as attract people to the theatre." To see more of Nova’s work, visit the link to his website available here.
Ingersoll Lanes Mural
Address: 134 Thames St. North, Ingersoll, ON
Artist: Sean Hammond
This vibrant mural is found on the exterior of Ingersoll Lanes, featuring a uniquely graphics-themed composition in bright colours and geometric designs. See more.
Heritage Gazebo/Bandshell Restoration Project
Address: 25 Canterbury St, Ingersoll, ON
The historic gazebo/bandshell at Memorial Park in Ingersoll is the terminus for the Thomas Ingersoll Scenic Trail and a feature highlight of the park. Proposed restoration requirements for this historic architectural work of art consist of specialized heritage attention to the masonry and stone, repairing deterioration of mortar and step sidewalls, as well as stone loss. Replacing the gazebo roof is also a priority to prevent weather issues and protect the gazebo's historic character. And, finally, refurbishing the structure’s original metal support posts would bring life back to this beautifully ornate structure.
Picture link provided by DKL: https://history.ocl.net/ingersoll/history-of-ingersoll/black-history-in-ingersoll/
Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre
Address: 125 Centennial Ln, Ingersoll, ON
Artist: Various
Situated in the heart of Ingersoll at Victoria Park, the Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre hosts amazing exhibits featuring regional creators, sculptors and vibrant metalwork displays to name a few. It’s also home to a permanent Artisan Market that boasts creative work by local artisans and vendors. The centre also works to create inviting, nature-inspired art walks along the area's beautifully scenic trail system on the river.
Link: https://www.creativeartscentre.com/
Photos supplied by Sophie Hicks, Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre
Floral With Hummingbirds Mural
Address: 125 Centennial Lane, Ingersoll, ON
Artist: Wayne McKenzie
Wayne Mckenzie is an Algonquin/Cree painter from Timiskaming First Nation. A self-taught artist, Mckenzie’s use of bold colours and confident lines lead to a body of work that exudes a sense of cheerfulness and spirit. His pieces are steeped in First Nations teachings, which Mckenzie considers an essential function of his art. A firm believer that art is synonymous with knowledge, he views his work as resource for viewers to learn about the Anishnaabe way of life and to honour the Indigenous peoples of Canada. Hummingbirds remind us of our strength, flexibility and that we are doing well in our lives.
Live Mural Painting
Address: 125 Centennial Lane, Ingersoll, ON
Artist: Julie Hawkins
This work of art consists of a live mural painting which the artist completed on the side of the arts centre as opposed to painting in-studio! This project incorporated the work of initial design and wall preparation at the Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre. Then, live execution as well as final sealing, which all necessitated careful time management on Julie’s part as well as her amazing ability to often engage with an audience in the process.
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Mural Mosaic Project “Nature’s Bounty”
Address: 2 Library Lane, Tillsonburg, ON
Artist: This was a project with various artists. All of the images in the mosaic were painted by Canadians. 100 tiles were painted by local artists and residents from Tillsonburg and Oxford County.
This mural is truly a community creation, brought to life through the collaboration of the Downtown Tillsonburg BIA, Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre, Tillsonburg Library, the County of Oxford and hundreds of talented artists. Learn more about this mural.
Murals at the Oxford County Library, Tillsonburg Branch
Photo Credit: https://www.stellajurgen.com/tag/stella-jurgen/
Children’s Mural Title: Turtles’ Reading Time
Address: 2 Library Lane, Tillsonburg, ON
Artist: Stella Jurgen
The mural portrays a scene where a family of turtles are enjoying the fun of reading books. The background is composed of Tillsonburg landmarks such as the clock tower, the train bridge, Annandale NHS, Station Arts Centre and the old Town Hall. On the right side a farm can be seen with a carriage and horses. On the top left there is a rainbow that represents diversity and inclusivity. The large flowers such as tulips, trilliums, and sunflowers bring life to the artwork. These can be found in the local gardens and farms. Below the train bridge there are tulip trees. Birds such as robins, blue jays, morning doves, and tricolour black birds are flying in the mural as they are common to this area. Butterflies such as the monarch and black swallowtail also adorn the space. On the bottom portion, fish are swimming in Lisgar Lake, styled with Indigenous designs.
Adult’s Mural Title: Tillsonburg’s Carnegie Library 1915-1974
Address: 2 Library Lane, Tillsonburg, ON
Artist: Ches Sulkowski
Funded by the Tillsonburg Knights of Columbus Council, this mural was created in 2013 to celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated library, which amalgamated with the Oxford County Library system that year. The mural depicts the original Tillsonburg Public Library, which was a Carnegie library, funded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
Tillsonburg Town Centre
Home is Where the HeART Is
Address: 200 Broadway St., Tillsonburg, ON
Artist: Stella Jurgen, Rhonda Franks and Megan McKiernan
The Tillsonburg Town Centre partnered with Station Arts Centre to create an art installation in the Centre Mall that would beautify the public space. A call to artists was sent and three local artists were selected to develop the artwork. Stella Jurgen, Rhonda Franks and Megan McKiernan created three circles per artist depicting what Tillsonburg means to them. The circles are 3 ft. and 4 ft. in diameter. The original artwork was photographed and printed on vinyl that was applied to acrylic circular bases.
Rhonda Franks’ Piece: In an interview about the Centre Mall installation, Rhonda advised that she has “…fond memories of the mall, and of Stompin’ Tom…” and of all things Tillsonburg represents for her growing up. With her 3 circles she chose to complete one featuring a turtle, paying homage to her younger experiences. She also completed a component reflecting on the history of Tillsonburg, including the Tillsons, Oscar Wilde, and Annandale House, and how she interpreted that into her art. And, the third component was a piece focused on inclusion, and how Tillsonburg is representative of that in today’s society.
Stella Jurgen’s Piece: Titled “Sunshine, Diversity and Peace,” because Tillsonburg is her new home; where she finds Sunshine, Diversity and Peace. The sunset behind the cornfield in her backyard is majestic and the farms around her home make her happy. She loves the blue sky that embraces her, and she admires all the crafts that the colourful and diverse community is passionate about, which encourages her learn about each one. Lake Lisgar is her kayaking sanctuary surrounded by tulip trees, and the beautiful fauna and flora bring her peace. And she grew up with turtle pets, which make her feel a child again.
Gallery of Goods
Address: 200 Broadway St., Tillsonburg, ON
Artist: Stella Jurgen, Megan McKiernan and Peyton Corriveau
The three artists’ components were designed based on a call to artists by The Station Arts Centre, in which they submitted their concepts for creating artwork to be painted on panels shaped like shopping bags for public display, describing the colour scheme and subject matter. Their designs were chosen from approximately six artist submissions. Subsequently, the large shopping bags artworks were installed in February 2026.
Stella Jurgen’s art is titled “Meet me at the mall” and it was inspired by sitting in the mall sketching people that came in. She experienced that everyone knew each other waving and meeting in the centre court. The second piece is titled “Shopping Spree”, it’s about shopping in the mall, wearing and buying fun clothes, enjoying a coffee and meeting with friends.
Peyton Corriveau’s art includes two pieces that highlight the town’s agriculture and Lake Lisgar. In an interview with Grant Haven Media, she noted, “It’s the agriculture of Tillsonburg, the roots… But it’s more than that, it’s the community growing and community sharing.” In reference to the painting of Lake Lisgar, she explained that it represents seasonal changes combined with how the mall speaks to being more than a place to shop. It’s also a meeting place for old and new friends alike.
Station Arts Outdoor Art
Address: 41 Bridge St. W, Tillsonburg, ON
The Station Art Centre's courtyard is filled with projects created by this creative hub's artistic volunteers. With unique additions each year, this evolving and welcoming space is a great spot to stop in and find a seat. See the painted rocks, encouraging messages on the Pride path plus beautiful benches and picnic tables with Pride and Veteran motifs.
Lake Lisgar Water Park Mural
Address: 8 Ross St, Tillsonburg
Artist: DERKS
Take in the giant mural by artist DERKS of an underwater scene, inspired by Tillsonburg’s turtle-y history and annual event, Turtlefest.
The Dream
Address: Tillsonburg Regional Airport, 244411 Airport Rd, Tillsonburg
Artist: Stella Jurgen
The Tillsonburg Regional Airport has been working with artist Stell Jurgan since 2026 to create a mural throughout the airport. It is “The Dream” come true for the artist as the mural was made possible through the sponsorshihp of the various individuals and partners that make up the mural. The feature wall depicts three children playing and dreaming of flying airplanes in Tillsonburg. The office wall was sponsored by members of the airport community such as BlueStar Air Service, participants of the Wings and Wheels event, and the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association. The SkyWay Café also sponsored a dedicated space featuring two hand-painted signs and the Tillsonburg runway with a Harvard taking off. The mural demonstrates the community the airport has become with local pilots sponsoring parts of the mural to feature their planes. You will spot these planes in the air, sometimes with grandkids or event the family dogs as passengers. You can also discover local businesses throughout the mural – including a billboard for Tourism Oxford. Take in the art as you enjoy a meal in the Skyway café as you are surrounded by the art of Stella Jurgen and planes landing out on the runway. Learn more.
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Oxford County Barn Quilt Trail
Artist: Each panel is painted by a host of volunteers based on a community project designed and spearheaded by history, culture, community and entrepreneurship!
The Oxford County Barn Quilt Trail showcases rural Ontario art in beautifully curated barn quilt panel displays. You can explore 22 stops and wonderfully creative painted quilt panels on the sides of barns and local businesses. Each work of art is 8-ft. square (or larger,) painted as replicas of quilt fabric blocks, which are then typically installed on barns, local businesses and historic sites. Each art panel also tells a distinctive story combining local heritage with design. Throughout Oxford County’s southernmost end, you’ll see the quilts installed at historic sites, on timber frame barns, and museums, among other wonderfully unique locations. If you would like to make a smaller barn quilt panel for your home, once a year Country Patchworks holds a barn quilt trail workshop. Learn more.
Weeping Lady
Address: 1 Jerdon St, Norwich Ontario (Emily Stowe Public School)
Oxford County is home to a number of historical cenotaphs which are also very artistic in addition to honoring those who served in the First and Second World Wars. These monuments act as integral local focal points during Remembrance Day ceremonies. You can explore cenotaphs across Oxford County. One of particular mention is the 1921 Weeping Lady cenotaph in in Norwich a traditionally Quaker Community. The only local Cenotaph featuring a female figure.
The marble statue was made in France. Is said to represent the local "Quaker response of pacifism and the futility of war” and is bowed in grief and sorrow crying for lost sons.
It has been suggested that this statue influenced the cloaked Mother Canada figure, in the Canadian Commissioned Vimy Memorial.
Additionally, the Public School where this cenotaph is located is named after Emily Stowe a founder of the Canadian Women’s Suffrage Association, was the first female principal of a public school in Ontario and is considered to be the first female physician to publicly practise medicine in Ontario.
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Richards Pure Sope
Address: Workshop Supply Historical Building, 100 Commissioner St. E., Embro, ON
Artist: Allen Hilgendorph
The "Richards Sope" sign is a painted historic advertising mural over the brick exterior of the Workshop Supply building in Embro. It pays homage to the building's past, while also being recognized as a local landmark. The building has a storied history in Embro, including details outlined by the now-wood craft and creator supply store in their May 2026 Instagram post, stating, “…A neat bit of history surrounding our store in Embro thanks to the information found in the book, Historically Bound The History of Embro and West Zorra…” The book, pictured in the post, is in fact a two-volume local history, authored by Dean Robinson and released in 2008 by the Embro and West Zorra Township History Book Committee. The pictorial post by Workshop Supply outlines the various iterations of their historic building, including a general store, hardware store, and grocery. Learn more.
Welcome Sign
Address: Found at major entry points to the hamlet of Harrington, along County Rd. 92 (north and south entrances.)
Artist: Rich Baker, Richcraft Ironworks
On October 25, 2019, the town of Harrington in Oxford County unveiled new welcome signs featuring local works of art by Rich Baker. The artist featured a post of his work on social media, identifying the beautiful “…sign on the West end of the village with the large Heron on top.” A professional welding sculpture artist, Rich does distinctive metal sculptures from his southwestern Ontario studio. Learn more.
Oxford County’s public art scene is vibrant, multi-faceted, and features an abundance of opportunities for viewings, artist showcases, memorials, driving and walking tours. The creative placemaking and artistic insights that can be found throughout our rural areas, towns, and cities blend this county’s history and strengthen our community perspectives in ways that invite not only viewership but active participation. This engaging relationship becomes community-building! What better way to celebrate the amazing way that public art achieves this than by enjoying one or more of these exhibits, tours, and venues with family and friends.