Number of Sturgeon Falls downtown murals continues to grow
When walking in downtown Sturgeon Falls, you might notice several paintings on the side of buildings.
All of these murals have been designed and created by volunteer artists through community donations.
Artist Jessica Somers is preparing for one of her biggest canvases yet: the front of a local hardware store, which will soon be turned into two murals.
“One is honouring missing and murdered Indigenous women. I’m an Indigenous artist and I’ve decided to paint something along the lines of the red dress,” said Somers.
“The other mural will focus on Every Child Matters.”
Somers, who moved to the municipality only two years ago, fell in love with the downtown art and wanted to make her own.
“I create stories with art as a form of connection to community,” she said. “I just picked up the primer today because I needed more and I picked up the paint Monday or Tuesday.”
Paintings of a heron, a bear, musical notes, flowers and much more are painted and spread across downtown. In 2018, there were only two murals. Four years later, there are 30.
“It’s a tourist attraction. People come here and see them and take pictures. In the summer, I see a lot of people who stop and take pictures,” said Sturgeon Falls Beautification Group founder Gayle Primeau.
Primeau came up with the concept in 2017. She is part of various beautification and art-related initiatives in West Nipissing.
“My father showed me a postcard of some of some of the murals in Chemainus, B.C., and from there I got the idea that this could be something that could beautify our downtown,” said Primeau.
She called the project a "walking art gallery," adding that the murals are meant to attract people to visit the downtown.
“They’re vibrant, they’re colourful,” said Primeau. “Every mural has something to offer to everyone and that’s why they’re popular and why people enjoy them.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.