Not much else brings a community together like public art. Something for all to enjoy, carefully crafted by the community itself.
This has been a big year for art in Halifax and surrounding areas. With initiatives like Downtown Halifax's Gritty to Pretty Placemaking Program, Sackville Business Association's Mural program, and the Halifax Mural Festival, murals have popped up all over Halifax Regional Municipality! Keep reading for a list of Halifax's newest murals, the stories behind them and where to see them for yourself.
Sound of Time
1326 Barrington Street, downtown halifax | ABSEN | August 2022
ABSEN's red toned mural on the side of Barrington Consulting Group's brick heritage building is one of Downtown Halifax's newest additions, completed just at the end of August. The mural explores time, growth, and artistry by depicting two people enthralled in their art - playing and composing piano music - as a young girl curiously looks on.
There's No Place Like Home
6408 quinpool road, west end halifax | Alex J. Fowkes | july 2022
Painting a mural on the side of a building as iconic as the Oxford Theatre could be daunting task, but I think Alex Fowkes did a wonderful job with the "There's No Place Like Home" mural. The famous Wizard of Oz quote pays homage not only to classic Hollywood cinema, but also to the fact that the film was one of the last to screen at the Oxford Theatre. And of course, there really is no place like Halifax.
John Dunsworth
6451 Quinpool Road, west end halifax | Jeks One | July 2022
Globally known for his hyper realistic portraits, Jeks One came all the way from North Carolina to paint this mural of the late John Dunsworth for Halifax Mural Festival this past July. Dunsworth gained worldwide praise in his role as Jim Lahey in the widely loved Trailer Park Boys series, making him a local legend. This mural is a touching tribute to the late Nova Scotian actor, and a must-see for any Trailer Park Boys fan.
What's Your Hare-y
Birmingham & Queen Street Intersection, downtown halifax | Altruistic Current | June 2022
Follow the moon-mist pavement. Follow the moon-mist pavement. Follow the moon-mist-pavement! This bright mural was brought to life by not-for-profit organization Altruistic Current along with seven local artists. Each artist painted two hares in their own unique style, resulting in a colourful hodgepodge of jumping and dancing hares.
The Queen and The Flower King
Intersection of King and Queen Streets, Downtown Dartmouth | Margot Durling | July 2022
The Queen and The Flower King murals by Margot Durling celebrate gender diversity in a big way. The two six-storey tall paintings overlooking Downtown Dartmouth honour the lives of the queer and trans community, and open a conversation of the meanings of gender and sexuality. To top it all off, the Queen & Flower King live on the intersection of Queen and King Street!
Tufts Cove Survivor
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Halifax Waterfront | Alan Syliboy | July 2022
This painting by Alan Syliboy explores the tragedy of the Halifax Explosion and its affects on the Mi'kmaq settlement known as Turtle Grove. Located on the Dartmouth side of the Halifax Harbour, the explosion devastated the community, killing half of the people that called the settlement home. Unlike other communities affected by the explosion, the Mi'kmaq community was never rebuilt. The Turtle Grove survivors were moved to reservations rather than their home in what's now known at Tufts Cove.
Rainbow Tiger
6260 Quinpool Road, West End Halifax | Jieun (June) Kim | July 2022
This Rainbow Tiger mural fittingly resides on the side of Quinpool pet grooming & supply shop, Naughty Paw. Toronto-based artist Jieun Kim (also known as June) painted this piece for Halifax Mural Festival this past Summer. Her bright and colourful art style is inspired by Korean folk art with a modern, pop-culture twist.
Memories of Quinpool
6311 Quinpool Road, West End Halifax | Dan Burt | July 2022
Local artist Dan Burt packed so many of West Ender's precious memories into this mural appropriately named "Memories of Quinpool". From the beloved Video Difference to Hogies Steak House to a classic Metro Transit bus, this mural is such a touching ode to Quinpool.
Living Space
1580 Grafton Street | Dan Burt | August 2022
Living Space, also painted by Dan Burt is inspired by the energy that flows through and connects all living things. Burt hopes that the colourful piece will inspire others "to not only see this positive energy, but to feel it as well."
Mikisew
1580 Grafton Street | Peatr Thomas | August 2022
Painted by Ininew (Swampy Cree) and Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) artist Peatr Thomas, Mikisew represents the connection between the meaning of Love, the Eagle, and the Land. An eagle intertwines with three Ininew syllabics, á“´á‘á‘• (SaKiTa), meaning Love, and external lines called "Spirit Lines" connect the two with the land the piece sits on.
Dog Mural
16330 Quinpool Road, West End Halifax | Emmanuel Jarus | July 2022
Who wouldn’t want to see a giant dog mural while out for their neighbourhood walk? This piece was painted by Emmanuel Jarus, a Canadian artist whose painted large-scale portraits in communities all over the world!
Blue Jay & Lupins
6432 Quinpool Road, West End Halifax | Donny Fong | July 2022
You don't have to go far from the city to appreciate some east coast wildlife! This gorgeous Blue Jay & Lupin mural by Halifax artist Donny Fong brightens up Quinpool Road. Find it on the side of Classic Physiotherapy.
And that's all for now! It's so great that there's been such a large investment in beautifying the community for the public this past year. So many new murals have been painted in and around Halifax lately I honestly wouldn't be surprised if a few more popped up before the year ends. Keep up with the murals of Halifax and beyond by searching #C21AllPointsMuralofTheWeek on Instagram or Facebook. Happy mural hunting!
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