containR Summer Mural Camp

The containR Summer Mural Camp sees a collection of youth artists who work collaboratively in small groups to design and paint murals on the side of shipping containers at containR Art Park. Mentored by local artist Stephanie Banszky, youth artists engage in a week-long camp to develop their creative practice, interact with and build local arts communities, and hone their creative voices!

The Murals

How Love Flows

This mural illustrates the idea that love and understanding are powerful forces that can radiate outward to positively influence the world around us. By putting them forth into the universe, we not only brighten our own lives but also uplift others, encouraging growth, healing, and connection. No matter how small it may seem at first, the energy we put out can create a lasting impact on our community, and How Love Flows acts as a visual celebration of that transformative power.

Artists: Zia, Elizaveta, Asher

Entwined, Together We Flourish

Meeting of two entities

Two beings taking care of eachother in a busy world.

Each unique and individual.

Each has something to give the other.

Perhaps a lesson, some advice, a suggestion.

They celebrate what makes them different but also know the value and strength of community and connection.

They are not alone, they are stronger together.

Artists: Rubix, Alayna

Community

Our mural is about community and connection. We included elements such as wolves and rabbits running around the dreamlike landscape in a playful manner, interacting with the vibrant environment. Wolves are often portrayed as very protective creatures, looking out for and taking care of their pack much like we do with the people around us. All the figures portrayed within the mural are connected to one another in their own little community.”

Artists: Isy, Reyne, Fen, Noah, Red

Resilience and Hope

Our main theme in this piece is to bring awareness and gratitude for the lands that we call home. In light of recent events such as the passing of “Bill 5” in Ontario and the lifting of the coal mining moratorium in the Eastern slopes earlier this year, we are concerned with the violations to Indigenous rights and the impact of colonial greed on future generations. We reflected on what it means to honour treaty, our privilege of living and working in Treaty 7, and our responsibility to take care of these lands for future generations. We strongly believe in the “Land Back” movement and how by following Indigenous ways of knowing and sacred law, we can build futures that are abundant in hope and responsibility.

We want to inspire gratitude for the land and to remember the interdependence of all living beings. This piece includes medicinal native plants such as wild rose, sage, fireweed and yellow whitlow grass and a hummingbird. The hummingbird is our focal point in this piece, carrying a meaning of joy, hope, happiness and celebration. It also represents resilience due to their ability to overcome challenges despite their small size. The plants mentioned also symbolize hope, resilience, renewal, joy, and healing. As painters we encountered many joys and challenges while creating this mural. We shared laughs and bubble teas, and stressed with a time crunch and opposing ideas on how to bring the hummingbird back to a place of celebration after many seasons since it was originally painted by another artist. We hope viewers interact with our work and celebrate with us all the time and meaning behind it.

Artists: Stephanie, Nabiha, Manu, Germi