Chantry Centre artists Connie Barker (left), Carol Hahn, and Harry Schildroth show off their new mural February 27 at Southampton’s Chantry Centre. The artwork depicts some history of Southampton’s shoreline.

Hub Staff

Southampton’s Chantry Centre unveiled a “flim flam” of artwork February 27 depicting the community centre’s namesake and the history of Southampton’s shoreline. The new mural which lines the wall of the Chantry Centre’s pool room was made by using the creative talents of Harry Schildroth, Connie Barker, and Carol Hahn, who put in approximately 25 hours of their time to create the unique piece.

The mural was inspired by Schildroth’s ideas and features three dimensional art in the form of the HMS General Hunter shipwreck, a former rail-line that would be used to fill water tankers, a long-dock, a replica log-boom, sand dunes, the Peerless, and Southampton’s iconic Big Flag. “The beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” joked Schildroth after the unveiling.

Besides his own knowledge of Southampton, Schildroth said he did make a trip to Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre where he got inspiration from half a dozen historical photographs. “We worked a lot of it in,” he said. “We may come back and make a few little additions.”

Chantry Centre board member Carol Hahn said that it was Schildroth’s dream and that she was happy to help “make his dream come true.” Hahn, who did not grow up in Southampton, said that creating the mural allowed her to learn the histories of the beachside town.

“So this was historical from me. I was learning from Connie and Harry. It was interesting. I didn't know all of this and there’s still a lot I need to learn,” said Hahn, adding, “It’s been lots of fun, we had a lot of laughs, and we got along really well.”

Connie Barker did hint that there could be more artwork to come. Referring to the mural as “Phase 1,” the group may be looking into adding additional historical pictures that go hand in hand with nautical themes.

The iconic “Big Flag” pops out of the mural.

The depiction of the HMS General Hunter is a part of the history of Southampton.

The mural was Harry Schildroth’s idea and took the three artists 25 hours to complete.