The Search for Hidden Artworks

Interview with Courtney Senior
Photography as noted

Courtney Senior, a Canadian-based abstract artist, shares what led her to start International Art and Found Day, an annual event where artists from around the world hide works of art for their neighbors to find. 

Tell us about yourself:
I am a self-taught abstract artist located in Toronto. When I was little, I would immerse myself in creative activities, from coloring and drawing to painting and writing, but this passion for the arts took a back seat to sports as I got older. However, while I was in university, I experienced several years of severe anxiety, which led me back to art—the only thing that could seemingly ease my angst and return my mind to serenity. As my anxiety subsided and I pursued my career in marketing, painting was pushed to the sideline again until my late twenties, when I lost my father in a sudden accident. From that moment on, I’ve spent virtually every free minute painting.

© Courtney Senior

Where did you get the idea for Art and Found Day?
In 2015, I wasn’t yet ready to sell my art, but I knew someone would appreciate it, so I decided to find loving homes for my work by giving it away for free. I would package my original pieces and leave them around different neighborhoods in Toronto for people to find. I knew that to instill trust and entice people to pick up a strange package, the project needed a name or something to tie it all together. So I created the hashtag #ArtandFound and left a note on the outside of each piece that read, “Hello, I’m an original abstract painting in need of a loving home. FREE ART #ArtandFound.” I also included my social media information in case they wanted to reach out.

Over the years, and after I started my art business, my reason for doing Art and Found changed. Now I give away my art because it brings people happiness. It also makes art more accessible, encourages art appreciation, and gives people a story to tell for years to come.

Do you ever hear from the people who find your artwork?
Yes! I have probably heard from half of them. The feedback is always positive, often coming with a statement about how it made their day. I have been told that it’s people’s first piece of art and that they will treasure it forever. I also once received a note from someone who had recently moved to Toronto and was disappointed with the city’s lack of friendliness. He said that when he found my painting, it changed his mind.

How did Art and Found Day become an international event?
I really had no expectations when I began leaving my paintings around the city. But anytime I posted about it on social media, I would receive enthusiastic responses from other artists. And I’d seen the impact this project had on the local community. So in January 2021, at the peak of the pandemic, I decided to do something bigger with Art and Found to help bring a little joy during such a strenuous time. That’s how International Art and Found Day was born.

My goal was to get fifty other artists to do it that first year, but once I created the website and announced the event, the count escalated to 478 participants in thirty-nine countries who participated. In 2022, that number more than doubled to over 1,100 participants in thirty-eight countries. And in 2023, we had 1,431 artists in fifty-one countries.

©Jodi Lindsay

Tell us how Art and Found Day works:
Artists choose one or more of their artworks, whether they’re paintings, photographs, drawings, handmade items, or music albums, package them up safely, and clearly mark them with the hashtag #ArtandFoundDay. Anyone interested in looking for pieces can find participating artists in their area on our interactive online map. Many of the artists also use social media to leave hints for their followers on where their art will be hidden, so we encourage people to follow them on social media for clues. Artworks are then dropped off within the artists’ communities on March 12, usually in high-traffic areas and within plain sight.

Why did you choose March 12?
My dad’s birthday was March 12. He was such a big supporter of my work. When I first started painting, I thought all my work was terrible, but my dad loved it. Every time I came home to visit my parents, I saw another one of my paintings hung on the wall. He even had photos of them set as screensavers on his computer. It meant so much to me, especially since they weren’t very good. It showed me that he was not only proud of me but also supportive of my creative endeavors. That encouraged me to continue doing it. After he passed away, I put all the emotions I couldn’t express verbally into painting, which helped me grieve and ultimately heal.

Can artists participate on other days?
Artists can certainly do this outside of March 12. If they post using the hashtag, we will reshare it on our social media account to help spread the word. Most artists who do it are very good at letting their followers know when it will happen, and they often give clues as to where.

How has the day changed now that it’s grown so much?
We’re seeing a variety of creators join the movement. At first, it was mostly painters, but now there are ceramic artists, clothing and jewelry designers, poets, and writers. We’re also seeing a lot of support from big art brands such as Liquitex, Princeton Brush, DeSerres, and Smartist. Artists themselves have also been very keen to spread the word through the media, such as a local newspaper or radio station. The support has been incredible.

© Debi Selib Haig

What should people do if they find a piece in their city?
We encourage people to let the artist know they found the piece, either in a private message or through social media. If they’re comfortable sharing on social media, they can use the hashtag.

What’s your favorite thing about this event?
I love seeing how happy it makes everyone. It’s clear how gratifying it is for both the artists and the people who find the pieces. I also love the recognition some of the artists get from local newspapers covering the event and the serendipitous stories of how people find art. It’s amazing to hear about what it means to them.

What impact do you think Art and Found Day has had over the years?
I think the project has helped artists gain confidence in sharing their work with the world and brought attention to the vast array of hidden talent in local communities, igniting art appreciation. It’s also made art more accessible and highlighted the power of art in bringing people together, from artists supporting artists to family and friends going on an adventure together to find art. Overall, it brings pure joy to everyone who participates, and what’s better than that?

For more info, visit artandfoundday.com

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