Artist Pedro Antonio Martinez Zamudio immigrated to Canada from Michoacan Mexico in 2022. With the month of October as Hispanic Heritage Month, Pedro recently drew inspiration from his journey to Canada, and from nature, to develop a mixed media art installation featured at the Colborne Branch of the Cramahe Public Library.
Michoacan is home of the Monarch Butterfly. Using natural materials such as dry branches and maple leaves, Pedro created the shape of a butterfly’s wings to symbolize the journey of Mexican migrants.
With Pedro’s support, along with that of the Library, this installation is now displayed in the public foyer outside of Council Chambers at the County’s 555 Courthouse Road location, for the remainder of Hispanic Heritage Month.
“For me, the Monarch butterfly is an inspiration and symbol of perseverance. The Monarch sees no boundaries. Mother Nature sees no boundaries,” stated Pedro in a presentation today to County Council. “The butterflies make an amazing journey to reach Canada from Mexico and back again. It takes four generations of Monarch to make the complete journey. For migrants, perhaps it takes four generations to achieve the peace and prosperity that allows them to return home, or not. This new country, Canada, can also be home.”
Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize the rich contributions of Hispanic Canadians to the social, economic and multicultural fabric of our communities.
“Northumberland County is home to a flourishing Hispanic population who, together with the broader New Canadian community, fosters a diverse and thriving Northumberland. With support from local partners like our Northumberland Settlement Services team, these individuals join our community and, through their skills, talents, and culture, contribute to our vibrant future,” states County Warden Mandy Martin.
“Through his impressive art, Pedro evokes the connection we all share with Mother Nature, and with each other. We are honoured to host this inspiring installation in the public foyer outside of Council Chambers for the remainder of this month. It is furthermore a pleasure, today, to recognize Pedro with a Warden’s Certificate of Recognition for his significant contribution to Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in Northumberland.”