The Squamish Mural Walk Round upAugust 20, 2024NewsThe Squamish Mural Walk Festival recently concluded with resounding success, bringing together artists and community members to celebrate the vibrant art culture in Squamish. The event was marked by colorful murals, enthusiastic crowds, and a sense of community pride that resonated throughout the festival. The festival not only transformed the town’s spaces into open-air galleries but also created an environment for meaningful conversations between the artists and the community.
Insights from the Artists
One of the highlights of the festival was the opportunity to hear directly from the artists about their creative processes and the inspiration behind their murals. Their insights provide a deeper understanding of the art and the stories woven into each piece.
Cassie Suche, who created a permanent mural at Cleveland Gardens, shared her inspiration: “I’ve been exploring interference patterns in my work for a while, as well as gradients or the idea of ‘transition’ or ‘change’ through pattern and line. This piece is an exploration of these ideas with a sort of cosmic twist to it.”
When asked about her experience, Cassie expressed her appreciation for the community: “I loved it, I appreciated how many artists are in the area and all the lovely conversations I got to have.”
Kate Zessel, who painted a mural in Stan Clarke Park, reflected on the inspiration behind her work: “I wanted to create a mural inspired by my experience with Squamish. Growing up in Vancouver, we would drive to Whistler every weekend, and my body would relax once we got to Squamish. It was almost as if my nervous system knew I was going somewhere I would eventually call home.”
Kate also praised the festival’s organization: “My experience working with the Squamish Mural Walk Festival was amazing. The team was incredibly kind, thoughtful, and organized. Having Alex, the creative director, onboard was great because he has been a part of so many murals and knows the creative flow and can anticipate the needs of the artist.”
Ann Fu, another artist who contributed to the murals in Stan Clarke Park, shared her inspiration and how the local environment influenced her work: “I’m a bird nerd and love birdwatching in Squamish. My partner also happens to live in Squamish and often sends me photos of birds he encounters while climbing. I’ve found the community in Squamish to be vibrant and warm, and I wanted to reflect that joy in the mural’s shapes and colours.”
For Ann, the festival was a fantastic learning experience: “I had a fabulous time! Alex and Kerry were incredibly kind and generous, making everyone’s experience as smooth as possible. It was an invaluable learning experience for me, and I loved meeting so many talented artists.”
Carrielynn Victor, who also painted in Stan Clarke Park, emphasized the importance of public art in fostering community conversations: “I plan my art to start conversations, sometimes about clarity of Indigenous beliefs, territories, and aesthetics. These conversations are what I believe are an important part of our community relations going forward.”
Scott Borkowski, who created a permanent mural at the School District building, was deeply inspired by the vibrant community of Squamish. Reflecting on his design, Scott shared, “I wanted to incorporate fun shapes and colors alongside positive imagery that reflects our community and school board.” He emphasized how the positive and supportive environment of Squamish influenced his work, saying, “Everyone here is so positive and supportive, and I think that is reflected in the images I chose.”
Scott’s experience with the Squamish Mural Walk Festival was nothing short of “amazing.” He enjoyed interacting with the local community, noting that “everyone was so stoked” and that “all the neighbors coming out and being so excited” was the most memorable moment for him. Scott added, “I feel grateful to have a piece of me out in the community,” highlighting the impact the festival has had on him as an artist.
David Camisa’s mural, created in Stan Clarke Park, explores the complex relationship between humans and nature. “My mural is inspired by the complex relationship between humans and nature, particularly how we interact with and impact the environment around us. I wanted to capture the tension and harmony that coexist in this relationship, using bold colors and abstract forms to evoke emotion and thought,” David shared. Reflecting on his experience at the festival, he said, “It was incredible! The festival was well-organized, and the support from the community was heartwarming. Being able to collaborate with other talented artists in such a beautiful setting was truly inspiring.”
Aimee Young also contributed a mural in Stan Clarke Park, drawing inspiration from everyday things, particularly dogs. “I’m inspired by everyday things, and lately, that’s been dogs. I think dogs embody some of the best qualities, including empathy, compassion, and friendship, which are qualities we could all use more of during these tumultuous times,” she said. “Painting for the Squamish Mural Walk was such a breath of fresh air for me! I loved that I could use my own design and had everything I needed to create work I feel proud of. It’s been a great boost for my confidence and a valuable opportunity to add a large-scale piece of work to my portfolio.”
James Klinge created a permanent mural at the back of the Amaji Building, reflecting the natural beauty of Squamish. “My mural is a tribute to the natural beauty of the Squamish area, particularly the dramatic landscapes that surround the community. I wanted to create a piece that reflects the power and serenity of the mountains, forests, and waters that make Squamish so unique,” James explained. He praised the festival, saying, “The support from the local community was overwhelming, and it was great to see so many people come out to appreciate the art. It was also a privilege to work alongside such a diverse group of talented artists.”
Ciarra Saylor, created a permanent mural at August Jack Motel, reflected on how the local community influenced her work: “As a local Squamolian, I really appreciate and embrace the natural world around me, and it was important to represent the local animals, flora, and fauna in our area while creating a piece that will impact people in a positive way.”
For Ciarra, the festival was more than just an artistic endeavor—it was a personal journey: “It was a beautiful validation of my work and the path that I have chosen to take as an artist. To be trusted to create a permanent piece of art for our community was such a gift.”
Throughout the festival, the artists highlighted the powerful impact of public art on a community. As Kate Zessel noted, “I think murals and art make a big impact on a community. When I drive down Cleveland Avenue, my attitude is immediately lighter. The different colours, culture, just adds vibrance to the town.”
Ciarra Saylor echoed this sentiment: “I think it has such a wonderful and inspiring impact on our community. The biggest comment I received was that people were so happy to see these murals being created and bringing more life to Squamish through the arts!”
On a personal note, I’m immensely proud of the art and beautification efforts led by the Downtown Squamish BIA, which are transforming our downtown. The partnership with Alex Fowkes, our Creative Director/Lead Curator has been invaluable, his creative direction has truly elevated the program. The Squamish Mural Walk Festival has left an indelible mark on both the artists and the community, sparking creativity, building connections, and enhancing the town’s beauty. As the artists continue their journeys, the community will cherish and celebrate the art that now enriches the streets of downtown.
For more information about each mural and the artists, please visit https://www.downtownsquamish.com/artists/.
Kerry Neil
Executive Director
The Squamish Mural Walk Festival recently concluded with resounding success, bringing together artists and community members to celebrate the vibrant art culture in Squamish. The event was marked by colorful murals, enthusiastic crowds, and a sense of community pride that resonated throughout the festival. The festival not only transformed the town’s spaces into open-air galleries but also created an environment for meaningful conversations between the artists and the community.
Insights from the Artists
One of the highlights of the festival was the opportunity to hear directly from the artists about their creative processes and the inspiration behind their murals. Their insights provide a deeper understanding of the art and the stories woven into each piece.
Cassie Suche, who created a permanent mural at Cleveland Gardens, shared her inspiration: “I’ve been exploring interference patterns in my work for a while, as well as gradients or the idea of ‘transition’ or ‘change’ through pattern and line. This piece is an exploration of these ideas with a sort of cosmic twist to it.”
When asked about her experience, Cassie expressed her appreciation for the community: “I loved it, I appreciated how many artists are in the area and all the lovely conversations I got to have.”
Kate Zessel, who painted a mural in Stan Clarke Park, reflected on the inspiration behind her work: “I wanted to create a mural inspired by my experience with Squamish. Growing up in Vancouver, we would drive to Whistler every weekend, and my body would relax once we got to Squamish. It was almost as if my nervous system knew I was going somewhere I would eventually call home.”
Kate also praised the festival’s organization: “My experience working with the Squamish Mural Walk Festival was amazing. The team was incredibly kind, thoughtful, and organized. Having Alex, the creative director, onboard was great because he has been a part of so many murals and knows the creative flow and can anticipate the needs of the artist.”
Ann Fu, another artist who contributed to the murals in Stan Clarke Park, shared her inspiration and how the local environment influenced her work: “I’m a bird nerd and love birdwatching in Squamish. My partner also happens to live in Squamish and often sends me photos of birds he encounters while climbing. I’ve found the community in Squamish to be vibrant and warm, and I wanted to reflect that joy in the mural’s shapes and colours.”
For Ann, the festival was a fantastic learning experience: “I had a fabulous time! Alex and Kerry were incredibly kind and generous, making everyone’s experience as smooth as possible. It was an invaluable learning experience for me, and I loved meeting so many talented artists.”
Carrielynn Victor, who also painted in Stan Clarke Park, emphasized the importance of public art in fostering community conversations: “I plan my art to start conversations, sometimes about clarity of Indigenous beliefs, territories, and aesthetics. These conversations are what I believe are an important part of our community relations going forward.”
Scott Borkowski, who created a permanent mural at the School District building, was deeply inspired by the vibrant community of Squamish. Reflecting on his design, Scott shared, “I wanted to incorporate fun shapes and colors alongside positive imagery that reflects our community and school board.” He emphasized how the positive and supportive environment of Squamish influenced his work, saying, “Everyone here is so positive and supportive, and I think that is reflected in the images I chose.”
Scott’s experience with the Squamish Mural Walk Festival was nothing short of “amazing.” He enjoyed interacting with the local community, noting that “everyone was so stoked” and that “all the neighbors coming out and being so excited” was the most memorable moment for him. Scott added, “I feel grateful to have a piece of me out in the community,” highlighting the impact the festival has had on him as an artist.
David Camisa’s mural, created in Stan Clarke Park, explores the complex relationship between humans and nature. “My mural is inspired by the complex relationship between humans and nature, particularly how we interact with and impact the environment around us. I wanted to capture the tension and harmony that coexist in this relationship, using bold colors and abstract forms to evoke emotion and thought,” David shared. Reflecting on his experience at the festival, he said, “It was incredible! The festival was well-organized, and the support from the community was heartwarming. Being able to collaborate with other talented artists in such a beautiful setting was truly inspiring.”
Aimee Young also contributed a mural in Stan Clarke Park, drawing inspiration from everyday things, particularly dogs. “I’m inspired by everyday things, and lately, that’s been dogs. I think dogs embody some of the best qualities, including empathy, compassion, and friendship, which are qualities we could all use more of during these tumultuous times,” she said. “Painting for the Squamish Mural Walk was such a breath of fresh air for me! I loved that I could use my own design and had everything I needed to create work I feel proud of. It’s been a great boost for my confidence and a valuable opportunity to add a large-scale piece of work to my portfolio.”
James Klinge created a permanent mural at the back of the Amaji Building, reflecting the natural beauty of Squamish. “My mural is a tribute to the natural beauty of the Squamish area, particularly the dramatic landscapes that surround the community. I wanted to create a piece that reflects the power and serenity of the mountains, forests, and waters that make Squamish so unique,” James explained. He praised the festival, saying, “The support from the local community was overwhelming, and it was great to see so many people come out to appreciate the art. It was also a privilege to work alongside such a diverse group of talented artists.”
Ciarra Saylor, created a permanent mural at August Jack Motel, reflected on how the local community influenced her work: “As a local Squamolian, I really appreciate and embrace the natural world around me, and it was important to represent the local animals, flora, and fauna in our area while creating a piece that will impact people in a positive way.”
For Ciarra, the festival was more than just an artistic endeavor—it was a personal journey: “It was a beautiful validation of my work and the path that I have chosen to take as an artist. To be trusted to create a permanent piece of art for our community was such a gift.”
Throughout the festival, the artists highlighted the powerful impact of public art on a community. As Kate Zessel noted, “I think murals and art make a big impact on a community. When I drive down Cleveland Avenue, my attitude is immediately lighter. The different colours, culture, just adds vibrance to the town.”
Ciarra Saylor echoed this sentiment: “I think it has such a wonderful and inspiring impact on our community. The biggest comment I received was that people were so happy to see these murals being created and bringing more life to Squamish through the arts!”
On a personal note, I’m immensely proud of the art and beautification efforts led by the Downtown Squamish BIA, which are transforming our downtown. The partnership with Alex Fowkes, our Creative Director/Lead Curator has been invaluable, his creative direction has truly elevated the program. The Squamish Mural Walk Festival has left an indelible mark on both the artists and the community, sparking creativity, building connections, and enhancing the town’s beauty. As the artists continue their journeys, the community will cherish and celebrate the art that now enriches the streets of downtown.
For more information about each mural and the artists, please visit https://www.downtownsquamish.com/artists/.
Kerry Neil
Executive Director
