The Toronto Homeless Memorial remembers those who have died as a result of homelessness in Toronto. This project is maintained by Holy Trinity and other concerned citizens; the list is now kept by the Toronto Homeless Memorial Partnership.

I have exhibited art installations at the Church of the Holy Trinity since 1993 and have always been both conscious and considerate of the church mandate.

Since its construction, the city of Toronto has densified and expanded, so that the church now finds itself in the heart of Toronto’s urban core. As a result, the church has tailored its ministry to the urban homeless and needy, and maintains a memorial outside the church doors which lists the names of homeless people who have died on the streets of Toronto.

This project is made up of a great nylon coat and an equally large panel, both carrying the names listed on the Homeless Memorial outside the Holy Trinity Church. The text on the fabric base is embellished with metallic foils, acrylic paint, beading and appliqué.  Each section as set out in the official list is delineated with a line of coloured and textured beads, pearls and crystals enhancing the colour of the panel segment it delineates. Surfaces are sealed for protection and finish.

The installation piece echoes others in my career with fabrics that are cut, richly embellished and painted.