Every other year, the Heights Merchants Association sponsors an arts student to design and paint a mural on a prominent wall on the Heights. Often these walls are frequent victims of unsightly graffiti. Having a mural on these walls not only brightens up our neighbourhood, but also deters taggers from vandalizing property. The HMA has been fortunate to work with several very talented artists over the years, and their art continues to be a promising legacy for our community.
In 2010, the HMA sponsored a mural at 402 Willingdon Avenue, on the laneway side near the parking lot. Located on one of the busiest entrances to the Heights community, this mural will be viewed every day by pedestrians, drivers, and commuters.
The mural and concept
The cheerful image
depicts a dog steering a biplane while chasing Canadian geese in the sky. The flying dog was inspired by the artist's boyfriend's dog, and was included as a joke to him.
The artist - Emily Zimmerman Emily, an illustration and design student from Capilano University, was this year's mural artist. She grew up in Bellingham, WA in a family of artists and has been avidly drawing and painting since she can remember. She decided to paint her mural with the idea that a piece of artwork in a community can brighten it up and add excitement. Other murals on the Heights
2002 Mural by Jacquie Rolston 2002 Mural by Lindsay Fisher @ Hastings & MacDonald @ Hastings & Beta 2004 Mural by Tomoki Quach 2006 Mural by Carrie McKellar @ Hastings & Willingdon @ Hastings & Carleton
2008 Mural by Alex Achtem
@ Hastings & Gilmore
How to get involved
Decisions regarding murals are made by the HMA's Mural Committee. If you are a business or property owner interested in public art projects and would like to get involved, please contact our office at 604-294-8899. If you have a wall that you think would be suitable for a mural, keep it in mind for our next mural project in 2012.
