Turning Community Concerns into Creativity

Pickering College faculty member Johanna Liburd, together with John Armstrong, Vice President of telMAX Inc., recently earned the Town of Newmarket’s Community Innovator Award for a project that transformed local telecommunications boxes into vibrant public art.

The initiative began a little over a year ago, when residents voiced frustration about the appearance of telMAX boxes around town. After meeting at a Central York Chamber of Commerce event, Pickering College and telMAX partnered to address these concerns while providing students with a meaningful hands-on project.

Under Johanna’s guidance, Senior School students created digital illustrations inspired by the school’s values and Quaker principles of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality and Stewardship. telMAX funded the printing and installation, turning previously vandalized boxes into colourful neighbourhood landmarks. The project sparked excitement among residents, improved public perception of local infrastructure, and gave students a real-world platform to apply their skills while contributing to the community.

“Our students’ designs brighten the town, and it is incredibly rewarding to know their creativity can make a real difference,” Johanna said. “This project shows that art isn’t just limited to the classroom; it can connect people and inspire positive change.”

Dr. Cinde Lock, Head of School, added, “Projects like this demonstrate the power of learning beyond the classroom. Our students grow their artistic talents while tackling a real community need. It’s a true win-win partnership, one that benefits both the students and the community.”

Through initiatives like this, Pickering College students gain hands-on experience in creativity, collaboration, and civic engagement, discovering how their ideas and talents can have a tangible, positive impact.

Congratulations to Johanna Liburd and John Armstrong on receiving the Town of Newmarket Community Innovator Award! A gallery of the student artwork from this project can be found here: https://www.pickeringcollege.on.ca/community/art