A community-driven poppy project featuring artists from across the country aims to spark ongoing conversations and reflection about Remembrance Day beyond its annual observance. The initiative, known as Remembrance Every Day, invited artists to craft unique clay poppies, each adorned with a magnet for display.
The project’s founder, John Short, shared that his personal connection to remembrance, shaped by his family history of military service, inspired the creation of the poppies. Short’s grandfather served in the First World War, chronicling his experiences daily, while his father tragically lost his life in the Second World War.
In collaboration with the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery in Waterloo, Short expanded the project nationally. The exhibition showcasing the poppies will run until December 11 at the gallery. Working closely with the Royal Canadian Legion to obtain permission to use the poppy symbol, Short engaged 22 artists to produce “poppy gardens” featuring hundreds of clay poppies, displayed in various community spaces across Canada.
Among the installations is a poppy garden at Waterloo City Hall, where members of the Waterloo Potter’s Workshop meticulously crafted over 500 clay poppies. The public is encouraged to take a poppy and contribute online donations in support of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Short emphasized the significance of honoring veterans and their sacrifices, stressing the importance of year-round respect for their service. As interest in the poppies grows leading up to Remembrance Day, Short hopes that taking a poppy home will prompt individuals to reflect on the meaning of remembrance daily.
Eekta Trienekens, the president of the Waterloo Potter’s Workshop, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project, where members explored various techniques to create the poppies, resulting in a diverse and engaging display. Trienekens expressed the beauty of the project lies in the opportunity for individuals to bring a poppy home, fostering a personal connection and appreciation for the artwork.
As the community engages with the poppy gardens, the project serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of remembrance in contemporary times, especially as the last living veterans of the World Wars pass on. Through art and collective participation, the project aims to instill a sense of respect and contemplation surrounding the legacy of those who served their country.