Sit a spell
Saturday, July 26
2 PM - 6 PM
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Until Sit a Spell
Free Admission
Welcome to
Sit a spell
Sit a Spell is Downtown Kingston’s newest public art initiative, where classic Muskoka chairs are reimagined as bold, beautiful storytelling canvases. In this first edition, five local businesses have partnered with Kingston-based artists to transform these iconic chairs into one-of-a-kind pieces of functional art; each one capturing the unique spirit, values, or personality of its sponsor.
Join us Saturday, July 26 from 2–6 PM on Sydenham Street for a live painting event and mini market featuring:
- Midori – Unique stationery, toys, and mystery bags
- Something in the Water Brewing Co. – Taste refreshing samples like their Peach Crisp Sour and Tortuga Pale Ale.
- McDonald’s – McDonald’s merchandise, giveaways, plus enjoy free cold drink samples!
- Art Noise – Grab a market coupon and learn more about this iconic local art store.
- Lay Low – Refreshing iced drinks and sweet treats
The completed chairs will be proudly displayed on Sydenham Street throughout the summer as part of an outdoor exhibition.
What to expect?
Sponsor
Something in the Water
Featured chair: "Sit & Drink Curious"
Painted by: Amanda Lloyd
Description:
This chair is a love letter to Kingston’s water, the secret ingredient flowing through the city and straight into every pint brewed by Something in the Water. With bubbly waves, local landmarks, and a wink to the brewery’s playful spirit, it’s a reminder that great beer and great art start with something local.
Meet the artist
Amanda Lloyd
Amanda is a self-taught artist known for her bold, emotive paintings and deep commitment to community. Based in Bath, Ontario, her mural work can be spotted around town, including at Books on Main and The Welborne Commons. She’s also the founder of The Hive, a creative hub dedicated to supporting local talent and building artistic connections. Whether it’s through her vibrant artwork or her popular “Support Living Artists… the dead ones don’t need it” t-shirts, Amanda is passionate about celebrating the power of living artists.
Sponsor
Midori Gifts
Featured chair: "My Neighbour Pikachu"
Painted by: Eron One
Description:
This piece is inspired by Eron One's lifelong love of cartoons and animation. He drew a lot of inspiration from exploring Midori’s gift shop— everything from their plush toys featuring beloved characters to their unbeatable selection of unique stationery sparked his creativity.
Eron One has been a fan of My Neighbor Totoro since he first saw it, and Pikachu is a character cherished around the world. By combining these two icons on one chair, he wanted to create something fun, nostalgic, and eye-catching— something that speaks to all ages and invites people to take a seat and smile.
Meet the artist
Eron One
Aaron Forsyth (Eron One) is a Kingston-based artist specializing in vibrant custom murals and design work. With a background in animation and early passion for illustration, Aaron co-founded a lifestyle boutique in 2005, where he began offering custom apparel and canvas commissions. His work soon expanded to large-scale residential, institutional, and commercial murals. A full-time artist, Aaron also teaches workshops through the City of Kingston and local schools, and has participated in major events like Montreal’s Under Pressure live painting expo.
Sponsor
Art Noise
Featured chair: "Bring the Noise"
Painted by: Tori Smyth
Description:
For this design, Tori was inspired by what Art Noise is known for: paint! To her, nothing is more representational of art than paint drips and splatters that generally happen (at least in her practice!) during the process. She has included Art Noise's logo and incorporated the rainbow colours throughout because what art store doesn't have a rainbow running throughout it? Included in the rainbow is Art Noise's specialty colour: Liquid Mirror, which can only be found through their parent company, Tri-Art.
Meet the artist
Tori Smyth
Victoria (Tori) Smyth is a painter and illustrator, who is currently going through a floral phase, with a love for the occasional rocky landscape. After graduating from the University of Guelph's Studio Art program, Tori has worked in museums and galleries for the last 2 decades before returning to her art practice officially, and has been creating bold portraits and landscapes, drawing from her love of nostalgia, animals, and nature. Since becoming a mother, she has focused on using mediums that are easily accessible and can be dropped quickly to chase children, which has allowed her to think of creating art in new and different ways.
Sponsor
Mcdonald's
Featured chair: "A side of sunshine"
Painted by: Lisa Leskien
Description:
This McDonald’s-themed Muskoka chair is a playful tribute to two iconic symbols of comfort: the timeless charm of Ontario summers and the nostalgic joy of McDonald’s. The bold reds and yellows evoke both the vibrant energy of the brand and the colours of a summer sunset. By reimagining a traditional Muskoka chair through the lens of pop culture and fast food nostalgia, I aimed to create a piece that sparks both conversation and comfort. It’s a celebration of everyday happiness — with a side of sunshine.
Meet the artist
Lisa Leskien
Lisa Leskien is a vibrant Kingston-area artist inspired by the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield. Known for her bold mark-making, exaggerated colours, and thick, expressive brushwork, Lisa creates joyful oil paintings and lino/woodcut prints that reflect the energy of everyday scenes. She shares her passion for creativity through teaching at the Kingston School of Art, where she leads classes in painting, printmaking, crochet, and more. A recent accolade includes winning the 2024 Quinte Plein Air Competition for her lively acrylic piece, Greetings from Jimmy the Goat at Hagerman Farms.
Sponsor
Lay Low Cafe
Featured chair: "Strawberry Stardust"
Painted by: Sasha Jimenez French
Description:
This design was created in collaboration with Erica, owner of Lay Low. Inspired by her dreamy strawberry iced matchas and the café’s iconic disco ball, it’s a playful celebration of community, sweetness, and light. Sasha has long been drawn to painting strawberries and disco balls—symbols of joy, nostalgia, and a touch of magic—so teaming up with Lay Low felt like capturing an endless summer, right in the heart of downtown Kingston.
Meet the artist
Sasha Jimenez French
Sasha Jimenez French is a Cuban American multidisciplinary artist based in Kingston and Ottawa, Ontario. Her work spans visual art, dance, and community engagement, blending bold, narrative-rich painting with expressive, physically-driven choreography. A core member of Movement Market Collective and active board member in Kingston’s arts scene, Sasha is committed to fostering inclusive, collaborative spaces. With over 20 years of experience across Canada and the U.S., her work celebrates culture, connection, and creative expression.
Sit a spell
Produced by
Downtown Kingston BIA, representing +700 Downtown property and business owners.
