RENEW project brings colour to the West End

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This article was published 12/10/2022 (239 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It could have been just another one-or-two-new-mural summer in the West End but a large grant from Cindy Gilroy, city councillor for Daniel McIntyre, allowed the West End Biz to commission 12 artists to simultaneously paint 12 murals during the August-long Renew mural project.

The wildly creative project was thought up and overseen by Mandy van Leeuwen, who has created some of the West End’s most popular murals over a number of years.

She assembled a diverse dream-team of local artists and muralists and then supported them as they developed their ideas and painted their artworks on 10×10 foot aluminum panels.

Bystanders looking into the vacant lot at 943 Portage Avenue were treated to a revolving series of views as the four large, triangular mural frames, holding three works apiece, were turned periodically so different artists were facing the audience.

The murals have now been permanently installed at businesses throughout the West End. The beautiful mural on the outside of Bistro on Notre Dame (784 Notre Dame Ave.) was painted by Anishinaabe artist Jessica Canard during the art-making blitz.

Dean Herkert, who owns and manages the Bistro is thrilled with his new mural as he is proud of his Métis heritage and specifically wanted a mural by an indigenous artist

The woodland-inspired mural, painted in bright, complimentary colors is stunning.Canard is very happy with the piece and glad that it is now out in the world.

“It was a fun experience,” she said of the Renew project. “There was a lot of freedom in what was created… and (we were given) so much support.”

The days are getting shorter and the verdant greens of the West Ed’s tree canopy are just a memory as winter approaches. Most people will soon be staying in more and the streets will be deserted in the evenings. The twelve colorful murals painted with love have collectively made quite a splash. They are sure to dispel some of the upcoming gloom. Art does that.