The Colourful Canvas of Peachland
In the midst of the beautiful community of Peachland lies a colourful display of public murals, each representing a story of its own. This cluster of vivid illustrations lends a distinct touch of vibrancy to the town’s charm and brings to life its rich cultural heritage.
The Peachland murals are a part of the Making Waves Mural Festival whose goal is to create a strong base of evocative public mural art that adds to the community's impact and acts as an additional attraction complementing the town's other art and community-building opportunities. The brainchild of several talented artists, these murals have grown over time to become a cornerstone to the town’s tourism and a significant part of Peachland's identity.
The Artists and Their Vision
Among the well-regarded creators of Peachland's murals, the names of Shelby Willis and Cheryl Metcalf stand out. Both artists hail from Edmonton and made a significant contribution to the local mural scene by painting the wall of the Firehall in the alleyway. This stunning piece was created in the heat of mid-August, becoming the first mural of the festival to grace Peachland's public spaces.
The various murals in Peachland are not merely creative expressions of individual artists. They serve a bigger purpose - to create a year-round open-air public art gallery that provides Peachland's residents and visitors with an enriching visual delight.
Family of Foxes
Fire Chief Dennis Craig suggested incorporating foxes into the mural on the Fire Hall that you can see on 3rd St in Peachland, inspired by artist Shelby Willis's work. Chief Craig was impressed by her original concept drawings and particularly drawn to her fox portrait. Ember the fox, is the mascot of the Firesmart Program and holds significant importance for Chief Craig and the Peachland community.
Ukrainian Homage Mural
Located in the alley beside the Royal Canadian Legion, this striking mural was created by Winnipeg artist Nereo, who now resides in Mexico. The artwork features a portrait of a Ukrainian woman Nereo met, whose husband and father are on the front lines of the war in Ukraine. Deeply moved by her story, Nereo painted this mural to honor themes of courage, family, peace, and community. The mural stands as a powerful tribute to her resilience and the broader struggles faced by the Ukrainian people.
Remembrance Mural
The stark white walls of the Legion Building were transformed into a vibrant tribute of gratitude and remembrance, thanks to artists Layla Folkmann and Lacey Jane, fondly known as LALA. The transformation was officially unveiled during the Making Waves Mural Festival, taking place from September 2 to 4, 2022.
The Water+Salmon Mural
The Water+Salmon Mural in the alley beside the Legion is a vibrant, emotional piece filled with symbolism and informative elements created by artist Sheldon Pierre Louis, a member of the Okanagan/Syilx Nation. It emphasizes the importance of water, depicting a young child making an offering to the water and salmon, which highlights the traditional protocols and teachings passed down to the younger generations. This act symbolizes the sacredness of water and its critical role in the existence and prosperity of Peachland.
The mural uses imagery of Siya (Saskatoon berry) to represent youth and the future caretakers of our water resources. The salmon in Syilx culture symbolizes hard work and determination, indicating the effort needed to protect and maintain our water. The mural's red ochre background symbolizes tulmin, used in pictographs, while the blue represents water, and the orange Earthline signifies the land. This Earthline encircles the child, showing his connection to the earth and its energies.
Peachland Food Bank and Wellness Centre Mural
The building housing the Peachland Food Bank and Wellness Centre has a mural by artist Jean Bradbury that symbolizes the missions of the Food Bank and Wellness Centre. This project enhances the aesthetic appeal of the Food Bank and Wellness Centre, reflecting the spirit and values of the community.
Impact on the Peachland Community
The murals of Peachland have become a catalyst for community building, encouraging local involvement in public art. It offers the residents of Peachland a sense of belonging and pride as they watch the murals come to life and enhance the aesthetics of their town.
What's more, the mural festival is not merely an artistic endeavour but has successfully grown into a multi-generational, hands-on creative event, attracting tourists and locals alike with outdoor art and entertainment.
The Stories Behind the Murals
Each mural has a story to tell, many of them reflecting Peachland's rich cultural history and natural beauty. From representations of local wildlife and landscapes to depictions of the town's storied past, the murals offer a vivid snapshot of Peachland's multifaceted identity.
A Lasting Legacy
The public murals of Peachland are more than colourful drawings on the wall. They represent the town's resilient spirit, its rich culture, and its ever-evolving art scene. As a part of Peachland's identity, these murals serve as a lasting legacy, standing tall as landmarks in the town's landscape.
