I paint murals, and when I came across this grant opportunity, I knew I wanted to use it as a way to give back to my community. I wanted to create something meaningful for a space that could benefit from a little more colour, warmth, and joy.
I started by reaching out to local women’s organizations in the Burnaby area. Dixon Transition Society got back to me, and it turned out they were already looking for artists to bring some artwork into their spaces. Dixon Transition Society helps to reduce the impact of domestic violence by providing a safe haven for women and children. It felt like the right opportunity coming together at the right time.
After a few emails and a virtual meeting where I explained my project and learned more about what they were looking for, we realized we were a great fit. They invited me to visit one of their transition homes, where I found the perfect wall: the children’s playroom.
One of the values I try to uphold in my work is creating art for the community it serves. I don’t want to walk into a space with my own ideas and paint something without considering the people who will experience it every day. I wanted this mural to feel like it belonged in the space.
To help shape the art direction, I created a Google Form for staff to share their thoughts. I asked about colours, visual styles, animals, characters, and what they hoped the mural would bring to the room. After receiving close to 12 responses, a clear direction began to emerge: a garden theme with soft, pastel colours, a tree, and friendly animals. The staff wanted something welcoming and calming rather than overly stimulating, knowing that many children would be spending time in the room.
I spent the next few weeks developing the design and making adjustments before receiving the green light to begin painting. Then came the fun part!
Over six days, I spent approximately 42 hours bringing the mural to life. Watching the blank wall slowly transform into a soft garden filled with trees, flowers, and animals was incredibly rewarding. I was able to incorporate the feedback from the staff while still having room to bring my own artistic style and creativity into the piece.
The biggest thing I learned through this project was how much stronger a mural can become when it is created with the community, rather than simply for the community. The final piece feels welcoming, playful, and peaceful, and I’m grateful that I was able to contribute something meaningful to a space supporting women and children.
I also left the project reminded of why I love painting murals in the first place: I get to make art, connect with people, and create something that can brighten a space long after I’ve finished the mural.
