The walls of a local arts school will be even brighter next month.
Brio Academy in Chatham has been selected as a host site for the Canadian leg of Mural Mosaic’s Global Roots International Arts Project.
Artistic Director Rachel Schwarz says the local mural will feature works by Brio’s art students as well as artists from across Canada.
“Their art is going to be displayed right at the front of our building in conjunction with adult artists from across Canada,” Schwarz said. “We haven’t experienced anything on that scope yet, but I think it’s a really good reminder for our students that they’re part of this global community of creatives.”
The Mural Mosaic project was launched in 2003 as a way to connect communities around the world, one colourful tile at a time. The project expanded to Canada in 2021, and now includes murals in North and South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Each participant is given a ceramic tile to paint with specific colour palate. All of the submissions are then compiled by the mural artist to create a larger permanent piece of collaborative public art.
Schwarz says the project shines a light on the creative juices flowing in Chatham-Kent.
“Yeah, we’re a more rural location, but we also get to host this really cool national project, and we have counterparts in Calgary and Toronto and Chatham-Kent, and it’s going to be right here on Richmond Street.”
An unveiling ceremony is slated for February 25th at 330 Richmond Street.
Schwarz says funding for the project has been supplied through the Hydro One Councillor Ward Funding Program.