Custom murals celebrate City’s beauty, diversity and creativity

New murals were officially showcased today on highway underpasses along Bank Street and Carling Avenue. This is the second year of the Murals on Underpasses program intended to feature local artists and beautify the City. ** ** “These murals beautify and enhance underpasses as key gateways to the City with images that reflect and depict local culture, history and visions of artistic expression,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “In collaboration with the province of Ontario, this project reflects the City’s commitment to supporting local artists by promoting public art.” ** ** Local artists were chosen through a Request for Qualifications selection process and the locations were selected with the cooperation of Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation. Yasir Naqvi, Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa-Centre, Councillor Keith Egli, Chair of Transportation Committee, Somerset Ward Councillor Catherine McKenney and Kitchissippi Ward Councillor Jeff Leiper also participated in today’s showcase.

One wall of each underpass features a mural painted by local artist Nicole Belanger, celebrating the 150

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anniversary of Canada’s Confederation in 2017. The opposing wall of each underpass includes a community-inspired mural, with images of local culture and wildlife that are important to the people who live and work in these areas, while also showcasing the creative expression of the artists. ** Bank Street ** The mural entitled _ The Heart of a City in Motion _ was created by the artist group AMPLove. It’s a multi-coloured mural that celebrates the diversity of individuals from around the world who call Ottawa home. A city in motion is captured, recognizing that nature, family and friendship work in harmony to give the community its heart. ** Carling Avenue ** The mural entitled _ Felled _ was created by artists Adam Cutts, Patrick Thompson and Alexa Hatanaka. This mural depicts a fallen Ash tree and the new lives it has taken on. Elements reference characters in the community, children’s drawings from a local school, intricate wooden structures built in neighbourhood parks and other landmarks.

“These murals not only help beautify our streets, they also add character to our neighbourhoods,” said Councillor Egli. “They all pay tribute to the people, the environment and the artistic vision of the community.

For more information, call 3-1-1 or email mural@ottawa.ca .