Stock photo courtesy of Pixabay.com.

Two downtown cores in Chatham-Kent will be getting a touch of colour this week.

The inaugural CK Can Jam kicks off today with 11 artists from around the globe creating nine street-art style murals in downtown Chatham today through Saturday.

Residents are encouraged to explore the downtown core and watch the works of art take form.

The week also includes a Patio Party at Skinny’s Bar on Thursday, and the Can Jam After Party at Sons of Kent on Friday.

The CK Can Jam is organized by Sarah Steele and Shannon Young, with support from local businesses and sponsors. For more information, including mural locations and artist bios, click here.

Meantime, a special art project is expected to get underway in Wallaceburg today as well.

Julie Amlin, a Toronto artist with Chatham-Kent roots who specializes in large-scale murals, will be creating a piece of public art on the side of Ray’s Mini Mart on Dufferin Avenue.

Local residents will also be able to watch and interact with Amlin as she works to complete the mural.

The Wallaceburg project will be funded through the Hydro One Reserve, a partnership between the utility and the municipality funding arts, culture, and recreation projects in the area.