03/13/2025
Artist captures the "individual humanity" of Peterborough locals with new exhibit
Artist Janet Lutz (left) with Pastor Debora Rolls (right) setting up the exhibit at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church. (Photo: Alex Karn) When local architect Janet Lutz retired, she decided to study fine art. She took courses in painting and watercolour, then became inspired to paint people she encountered as she visited public spaces around Peterborough.
Over the last year, Lutz has produced 21 portraits of community members she's met around town. Some of the paintings feature unhoused Peterborough residents and other marginalized people she has met on street corners, at the farmer's market, or in other public spaces.
“These are people in our community. People we might pass by without noticing or engaging in conversation, but they are no less worthy of our attention, care, and affection,” she said.
The collection of watercolour portraits is currently on display at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, which is located inside The Mount Community Centre, as part of an exhibit called “Seeing and Being Seen.” Lutz does not intend to sell the pieces, but instead hopes they will inspire people to give to food-based charities.
“All of us need to be seen, to be acknowledged and to have the dignity of having our basic needs met,” she said.
St. Paul’s pastor Debora Rolls offered to showcase the paintings in the church during this year's Lent season, a period of prayer for Christians leading up to Easter. She is also encouraging her congregation and the broader community to donate to Kawartha Food Share ahead of the holiday, she said.
“We are pleased to be able to support Janet in her desire to shine a spotlight on the most vulnerable in our community and to provide a place where her beautiful art can be shown,” said Rolls.
Later this spring, Lutz hopes to show the portraits at the Peterborough Public Library, Dreams of Beans, and other local gathering places, she said.
Those who would like to arrange a free viewing of the exhibit can call 705-745-1411 to set up a time with the church attendant.
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