The MacLaren Art Centre and the City of Barrie have unveiled Recalculating, a temporary public sculpture featuring 10 colourful street sign designs created by local children and youth.

The sculpture was unveiled on October 3 on the front lawn of the MacLaren at 37 Mulcaster Street, where it will remain on display until May 2027. The project marks the art centre’s 40th anniversary.

More than 80 young people from five local schools and Youth Haven participated. With guidance from MacLaren art instructors, they explored design principles and urban planning before creating original signs using traditional art materials and digital drawing tools.

Rather than providing directions, the signs reflect the creators’ interests, ideas, and imaginations. A jury representing the MacLaren, the City of Barrie, and the Barrie Public Art Committee selected 10 designs to be reproduced on metal backings with vinyl graphics.

MacLaren artistic director Tyler Durbano said the project gave young people a chance to express how they see their community and what they want others to notice, adding, “Youth have been at the core of the MacLaren’s work for so long, and we have seen how supporting their educational and creative pursuits can help build a generation of people who are connected to and invested in their community.”

The sculpture is part of a partnership between the MacLaren and the Barrie Public Art Committee, combining arts education with the city’s public art program.

All 80-plus youth-created designs are available to view at maclarenart.com/signproject2026.