As the official Mural Capital of the Cariboo Chilcotin, Williams Lake’s downtown core already boasts an exciting array of artwork depicting the local history.
Now one more is being added to that impressive portfolio.
Mural artist Dwayne Davis and mural concept creator and local artist Al-Lisa Tressiera-Mckay have joined up to work on the latest wall art on the corner of First Avenue and Oliver Street, home of Dance in Common dance studio.
Davis has been mentoring Tressiera-Mckay in the intricacies of mural painting, with the finished piece looking to boast both her artistic expression and the experience and mentorship of Davis.
The two themes of the project, when completed, Mckay said are to represent the First Nations People and the importance of salmon to the area. The mural also celebrates Indigenous arts and culture, making it a wonderful addition to the downtown collection.
Nearing completion, Davis is optimistic that the newest mural will be completed before the Art Walk is finished on Sept. 8., weather permitting.
The project is co-funded by Downtown Williams Lake and the City of Williams Lake.
READ MORE: Art Walk and Sale 2018 in full swing
Davis has been at the helm of creating these murals that act as a gateway into the stories of the community’s past, present and future.
“Mural work is unique because of the extensive, interactive process used to engage neighbourhood residents and organizations,” said Davis, also explaining that the “canvas” for a mural can happen in a number of different ways.
“Sometimes the community helps locate a wall for a project, other times individual groups identify a wall and wait for the right project to come along.”
Often enlisting the help of young artists, Davis frequently passes on his expertise to others in the community to work with him on these projects.
That mentorship continues this year, with the newest edition into the long lineup of murals that can be found in both prominent lake city locations and intimate backstreets.
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