Artist pays tribute to historic Peter Street building with new exhibition 'It was a challenge — but also symbolic of what the show is about, figuring out how to keep going when something breaks,' says local artist of unique creations Xavier Fernandes' latest work is inspired by elements of fire and ice, reflecting the loss that came in the wake of a massive downtown Orillia fire on Jan. 21.
Inspired by fire and ice, a new art exhibition by Orillia wood-turner Xavier Fernandes will soon open at Peter Street Fine Arts Studio.
For Fernandes, it's more than a new show. It’s a homage to a profoundly creative chapter of his life and the beloved building that once stood at 5 Peter St. S. It’s an exploration of transformation, what remains after destruction, and how beauty can rise from the ashes, he explained.
The spark for the exhibition began with a moment burned into Fernandes’ memory, a cold Jan. 21 morning when he witnessed firefighters battling the blaze at the same building where he once had his studio.
“I saw them shooting water over the building, and the tree out front was completely coated in ice,” he recalls. “It was surreal. A horrible situation — but the tree looked stunning. That contrast between destruction and beauty just stayed with me.”
That tree, once part of his daily view from his second-storey window, would eventually be cut down. Fernandes, known locally for his work on the downtown Orillia Legacy Bowls, retrieved some of its wood.
But instead of turning a traditional bowl, he felt called to do something different — something bigger.
“I wanted to connect it to the building and that period in my life,” he says. “So I thought, fire and ice. The fire that took the building, the ice on the tree, and the memories that go with it.”
From 2008 to 2012, Fernandes’ studio on Peter Street was a creative haven. He remembers chalk art during sidewalk sales, gallery shows at Zephyr Art Gallery, and the vibrant artistic community that made downtown Orillia feel "electric."
“I was painting and printmaking a lot then — some of my most creative years,” he says. “There was such a strong arts vibe. I’d look out the window at that tree and watch people walk by, great people who made Peter Street feel like a true artist’s block.”
Though the building is gone, Fernandes says the spirit of that time is very much alive in his new work. While he’s long been known for his finely crafted wooden bowls, this collection explores new shapes, textures, and finishes.
“I’ve never done anything quite like this,” he says. “Some of the pieces are sculptural, others are functional, but I tried techniques I’ve never used before — like ebonizing, which involves burning the wood to get a rich, dark finish. I also experimented with resin to give some pieces an icy look.”
The results are visually striking, darkened wood forms that evoke fire’s touch, softened by glossy, frost-like accents. Some pieces are sleek and simple, others are jagged, raw, and even weathered — embracing imperfection in a way that mirrors the story behind them, he explained.
One piece even came apart during the turning process, forcing Fernandes to adapt mid-creation.
“It had cracks and missing parts, which is usually something I avoid. But this time I leaned into it," he explained. "It was a challenge — but also symbolic of what the show is about, figuring out how to keep going when something breaks.”
Every piece in the show also includes a subtle nod to the number five — a tribute to the address, 5 Peter St. S.
“One piece has five rings, another has five feet. There’s one that has five distinct points," Fernandes explained. "I wanted that theme of ‘five’ woven through everything, to make sure the building and its legacy are always part of the story.”
And for those who remember the old building, Fernandes hopes the connection resonates on an emotional level.
“I want people who knew that place, who were part of that creative community, to come and see this and feel something — nostalgia, recognition, even just a sense that that time mattered," he explained.
The pieces will be available for purchase throughout the month-long exhibition. But for Fernandes, this isn’t just about sales — it’s about sharing a moment in time with the community.
“This is wood from a tree that no longer exists, from a building that no longer exists," he said. "It’s part of Orillia’s history. And now people have the chance to take a small piece of that home with them.”
The show is supported in part by North Simcoe Life, who will provide refreshments during the opening reception, which will take place Saturday, April 5, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibit will remain on display throughout April.
For Fernandes, it’s also an opportunity to honour the legacy of Peter Street as Orillia’s artistic heart — and its continued role in shaping the city’s creative future.
“There’s a reason Peter Street has remained a strong arts hub,” he said. “You’ve got long-standing spots like the Shadowbox, Tiffin's Creative Centre, the museum. There’s always been this concentration of artists here, doing things together. It’s a special place — and this show is my way of celebrating that
Artist pays tribute to historic Peter Street building with new exhibition
'It was a challenge — but also symbolic of what the show is about, figuring out how to keep going when something breaks,' says local artist of unique creations
Xavier Fernandes' latest work is inspired by elements of fire and ice, reflecting the loss that came in the wake of a massive downtown Orillia fire on Jan. 21.
Inspired by fire and ice, a new art exhibition by Orillia wood-turner Xavier Fernandes will soon open at Peter Street Fine Arts Studio.
For Fernandes, it's more than a new show. It’s a homage to a profoundly creative chapter of his life and the beloved building that once stood at 5 Peter St. S. It’s an exploration of transformation, what remains after destruction, and how beauty can rise from the ashes, he explained.
The spark for the exhibition began with a moment burned into Fernandes’ memory, a cold Jan. 21 morning when he witnessed firefighters battling the blaze at the same building where he once had his studio.
“I saw them shooting water over the building, and the tree out front was completely coated in ice,” he recalls. “It was surreal. A horrible situation — but the tree looked stunning. That contrast between destruction and beauty just stayed with me.”
That tree, once part of his daily view from his second-storey window, would eventually be cut down. Fernandes, known locally for his work on the downtown Orillia Legacy Bowls, retrieved some of its wood.
But instead of turning a traditional bowl, he felt called to do something different — something bigger.
“I wanted to connect it to the building and that period in my life,” he says. “So I thought, fire and ice. The fire that took the building, the ice on the tree, and the memories that go with it.”
From 2008 to 2012, Fernandes’ studio on Peter Street was a creative haven. He remembers chalk art during sidewalk sales, gallery shows at Zephyr Art Gallery, and the vibrant artistic community that made downtown Orillia feel "electric."
“I was painting and printmaking a lot then — some of my most creative years,” he says. “There was such a strong arts vibe. I’d look out the window at that tree and watch people walk by, great people who made Peter Street feel like a true artist’s block.”
Though the building is gone, Fernandes says the spirit of that time is very much alive in his new work. While he’s long been known for his finely crafted wooden bowls, this collection explores new shapes, textures, and finishes.
“I’ve never done anything quite like this,” he says. “Some of the pieces are sculptural, others are functional, but I tried techniques I’ve never used before — like ebonizing, which involves burning the wood to get a rich, dark finish. I also experimented with resin to give some pieces an icy look.”
The results are visually striking, darkened wood forms that evoke fire’s touch, softened by glossy, frost-like accents. Some pieces are sleek and simple, others are jagged, raw, and even weathered — embracing imperfection in a way that mirrors the story behind them, he explained.
One piece even came apart during the turning process, forcing Fernandes to adapt mid-creation.
“It had cracks and missing parts, which is usually something I avoid. But this time I leaned into it," he explained. "It was a challenge — but also symbolic of what the show is about, figuring out how to keep going when something breaks.”
Every piece in the show also includes a subtle nod to the number five — a tribute to the address, 5 Peter St. S.
“One piece has five rings, another has five feet. There’s one that has five distinct points," Fernandes explained. "I wanted that theme of ‘five’ woven through everything, to make sure the building and its legacy are always part of the story.”
And for those who remember the old building, Fernandes hopes the connection resonates on an emotional level.
“I want people who knew that place, who were part of that creative community, to come and see this and feel something — nostalgia, recognition, even just a sense that that time mattered," he explained.
The pieces will be available for purchase throughout the month-long exhibition. But for Fernandes, this isn’t just about sales — it’s about sharing a moment in time with the community.
“This is wood from a tree that no longer exists, from a building that no longer exists," he said. "It’s part of Orillia’s history. And now people have the chance to take a small piece of that home with them.”
The show is supported in part by North Simcoe Life, who will provide refreshments during the opening reception, which will take place Saturday, April 5, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibit will remain on display throughout April.
For Fernandes, it’s also an opportunity to honour the legacy of Peter Street as Orillia’s artistic heart — and its continued role in shaping the city’s creative future.
“There’s a reason Peter Street has remained a strong arts hub,” he said. “You’ve got long-standing spots like the Shadowbox, Tiffin's Creative Centre, the museum. There’s always been this concentration of artists here, doing things together. It’s a special place — and this show is my way of celebrating that