Crafted from Corten and stainless steel, Campfire embodies the spirit of Indigenous placekeeping, inviting the community to gather around its symbolic hearth. Photo courtesy City of Toronto via Instagram
Art installations serve as vital expressions of a city’s identity, capturing its values, culture, and community spirit. In this context, Toronto has enriched its Public Art and Monuments Collection with the unveiling of Campfire, a striking 3.66-m (12-ft) sculpture situated at Humber Bay Shores.
Deputy Mayor Amber Morley (Etobicoke-Lakeshore) joined Indigenous leaders, artists, and community members for the ceremony. The installation was created by Canadian sculptor Michael Belmore, of Anishinaabe descent, in collaboration with Herman Mejia, an artist originally from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, now based in Etobicoke, Ont. The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation played a crucial advisory role in the project, honouring the land’s historical ties.
Crafted from Corten and stainless steel, Campfire embodies the spirit of Indigenous placekeeping, inviting the community to gather around its symbolic hearth. “Campfire not only serves as a cultural landmark but also highlights the City’s ongoing commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices and narratives through public art,” said Mayor Morley. “Etobicoke now has a significant addition that will serve both as a gathering place and a reminder of the enduring presence of Indigenous cultures.”
This installation is part of the Toronto Public Art Strategy (2020-2030), which aims to promote creativity and community engagement through artistic expression. The City of Toronto’s Public Art and Monuments Collection now features nearly 400 public art pieces.
