Artist behind 2021 graffiti spree set to host proper art show
The artwork of Windsor, Ont. resident Kalvin Mercier will be on display and on sale at the Mackenzie Hall Cultural Centre in Sandwich town – but a year-and-a-half ago, it could be seen in some unexpected places.
In the fall of 2021, Mercier was hit with numerous mischief charges after he said he went on a two-month “tagging spree.” Mercier spray-painted doodles of a character he said he created with the name “Kurs” accompanying it.
“I had this mindset where I thought I could create this character and put it everywhere, where it [would] get noticed or recognized and have some sort of buzz around it,” said Mercier.
He admitted he broke some rules of graffiti etiquette by including spots like churches, heritage buildings, and homes on his spree. Even tagging the front door of someone’s house.
“I regret the spots that I hit,” said Mercier. “That was definitely rude and inconsiderate. I was not really thinking about how that other person would feel about the property. But like I said I wanted the exposure.”
In the lead up to Mercier’s art show, his co-curator arranged for him to meet with Shane Potvin, Chair of the Ford City BIA.
That area bore the brunt of much of Mercier’s “Kurs” campaign, and Potvin said he’d be willing to forgive him, but there are many in the community who probably aren’t.
Graffiti done by Kalvin Mercier in the fall of 2021. (Source: Mike Osborne)
“I think he has a journey ahead of him,” said Potvin. “Time does heal wounds, but then action heals the rest.”
Potvin, an artist himself, said he came across Mercier’s art at a show late last year.
He said he actually quite liked it, which added salt to the wound of the graffiti spread through town.
"Why didn't we get this, when you're actually quite good?” he asked.
Potvin said he’ll check out Mercier’s show this weekend.
A show will be held Friday from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. with DJ performances, and then on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
“I want the right people to show up and appreciate it and look at me as an artist,” Mercier said.
20 per cent of the proceeds from all art sold will be donated to causes that might also help in Mercier’s efforts to make amends, 10 per cent to Drouillard Place and 10 per cent to House of Hope.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Pro-Palestinian protests roiling U.S. colleges escalate with arrests, new encampments and closures
The student protests of Israel's war with Hamas that have been creating friction at U.S. universities escalated Tuesday as new encampments sprouted and some colleges encouraged students to stay home and learn online, after dozens of arrests across the country.