A painted kayak by well-known local artist Jason Wilkins is now hanging in the popular Silver Bean Cafe, located in Millennium Park on the shores of the Otonabee River in downtown Peterborough.
Owner Dan Brandsma commissioned Wilkins to create the art installation to celebrate the cafe’s 20th year in business. The kayak, painted in Wilkins’ signature style with vibrant colours, is hanging inside the exterior ceiling of the cafe building where it covers the patio.
“We are grateful for each and every day that people choose to dine on our patio,” reads a post from Silver Bean Cafe on their Facebook page. “Thanks for bringing your vibrancy, personality, and community energy (like the colours here); your ongoing support for this little cottage in the city.”
The Silver Bean Cafe opened in 2003 in the Millennium Park building owned by the City of Peterborough (the cafe leases the space from the city). Brandsma took over the cafe in 2019 from original owner Andrea Vanderherberg.
As well as celebrating the Silver Bean’s 20th anniversary, the painted kayak is also a nod to the future opening of the Silver Bean’s second location at the new Canadian Canoe Museum currently under construction on the shores of Little Lake.
Expected to open in the fall, the new museum will include a cafe that seats 30 people inside and 32 outside. Operated by the Silver Bean Cafe, it will offer drinks (including alcoholic beverages), light lunches, treats, and grab-and-go options for both museum visitors and local residents. Unlike the Millennium Park location, the Silver Bean’s museum location will be open year-round..
Posted by Jason Wilkins Art & Creative Inc. on Saturday, July 22, 2023
