The 2010 mural behind Cactus Jack's by Alex Moir Porteus gets some finishing touches.
Image Credit: SOURCE/kcbia.com
July 04, 2013 - 5:00 AM
KAMLOOPS – Muralists have been transforming the back alleys of downtown for four years already and this year the business association has plans for two different murals on Victoria Street and another on 4th Avenue.
With 13 murals already in place in the back alleys of the 200-400 blocks of Victoria St and at Cactus Jack's on 5th Avenue, the three planned for this year could boost the reputation of the downtown core as a destination.
The Downtown Kamloops Back Alley Art Gallery, as the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Assocation has named the project, is a multifaceted project that not only showcases local talent but also helps to keep back alleys clean and draws tourists and residents to the downtown.
Last year the international Community in Bloom judges were given a tour of the city that included the murals and if the city gets to host the 2015 Communities in Bloom conference association general manager Gay Pooler says the murals will definitely be part of the tours.
The project helps to enhance a public space often ignored and then taken over by undesirable activities. By making the alleys walkable the downtown core is more desirable and this helps to make the area more vibrant and livable.
Artists Ken Wells, Janice Gurney, Tricia Sellmer, Alex Moir Porteus and Kelly Wright have all contributed past murals. Wells is taking on murals behind the Eyes International building (which was started last month) and Mauryas Fine Indian Cuisine this summer while Wright will be completing a mural behind Central Station Pub.
Funding for the project comes through the Job Creation Partnership program, the Kamloops Arts Council, Kamloops Communities in Bloom Committee and the property owners.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2013