A huge mural is being painted in downtown Squamish across the street from the Otter Co-op gas station.
Artists James Harry and Lauren Brevner are painting the mural as part of the Squamish Mural Walk Festival. The mural spans nearly the entire side of the building located on Cleveland Avenue.
A sign on the sidewalk encourages people to watch, but to maintain a safe distance and offers insight into the two artists.
“James Harry is recognized as one of Canada’s most innovative and talented young artists, known for pushing the boundaries of traditional Coast Salish art while using his work to promote cultural understanding and reconciliation,” the sign reads.
“James also collaborates with other artists to create new works that explore themes of identity and wholeness while reflecting First Nations stories.”
Meanwhile, Brevner is described as a “multidisciplinary artist.”
“Her Japanese-Trinidadian heritage deeply inspires her practice with a focus on matriarchal influence. Her work combines traditional approaches to portrait painting with themes of cultural identity and female representation.”
“Her education has been nurtured through community relations, including a mentorship with artist and designer Sin Nakayamal in Osaka, Japan,” the sign went on.
The self-guided 2023 Squamish Mural Walk Festival is on from July 28 to July 30 and is put on by the Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association.
