Chemainus Festival of Murals Society

Chemainus Festival of Murals Society’s latest addition, Chemainus Road Circa 1945 is mounted in its new home, on the north end of the building housing the soon to open Violet Wild, on the corner of Mill St., and Chemainus Rd. A final framing is needed, as it’s naming plaque, but that will occur soon. Dedication will take place when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. Muralist Kris Friesen worked his usual magic on the piece. Specific details to follow. The first panel was installed by street light on Wednesday night.

The last clear coat has been applied to this piano box mural, titled "In Tune with Nature," which will soon be open for the public to play! Thanks to the Chema...inus Festival of Murals Society for such a fun project, now at home outside the Chemainus Public Market. #VancouverIsland #piano #painting #art #artist #BC #canadianArt #canadianArtist #BCart #Parksville #acrylic #mural #colorful #wildlife #ocean #sea #underwater #animals #placemaking #whales #orca #landscape #music

The People have spoken, and we have a winner in the Chemainus Festival of Murals ‘Name The Mural Contest’! The competition promoted on social media and in the Chemainus Valley Courier drew 71 responses with 149 name suggestions. The society’s executive committee narrowed the field down to 10 names and the full board chose what they thought best represented the new mural. Congratulations to Aly Tomlin, co-owner of Riot Brewing Co., whose submission In Tune With Nature, was sel...ected to grace the newest piece in the Society’s outdoor art collection. It resides to the left of the entrance to the new Chemainus Public Market, address below. Aly was somewhat gobsmacked when told by Society President Tom Andrews her entry won, but still managed to blurt out Wow, I’ve never won anything before. Number 6 in the Community Series, In Tune With Nature, is a departure from what people usually think of as a mural, which is art painted directly on a wall or surface. The mural society’s board thought Aly’s entry best encapsulated the mural’s concept created by artist Kris Friessen. The themes, painted on the inner and outer surfaces of a purpose-built enclosure built by Dean Irwin, are nature and music. The exterior features a lush forest scene with some interested forest denizens keeping watch, with the music of the forest wending its way through the surroundings. The musical score is from What a Wonderful World popularized by Louis Armstrong. When the box is opened and the sides are outspread, viewers will see an upright grand piano, painted and blended into an underwater ocean scene. Earth’s oceans also contain their own music which is shown moving through the water. The water’s musical score mimics that of a whale’s call. When the mural is officially open, Chemainiacs and visitors will be welcome to play their favourite tunes. No singing for the time being however, and be prepared for Covid 19 safety measures. Aly wins a $100 gift certificate for 49th Parallel, and a mural book. Many thanks to the other 70 entrants for the many creative names submitted. Riot Brewing is a great supporter of the Chemainus community since the business opened. Due to the continuing issues facing us with the current pandemic, no date has been set for the official opening of In Tune With Nature, however the board is hoping for late June or early July. The piano was donated by Peggy Grigor of Pottery by Peggy, and Brad Grigor and of Turning Point Arts. The concept was Peggy’s idea. Community Series #6 In Tune With Nature Artist: Kris Friessen Year: 2020 Location 9790 Willow St., Chemainus BC. V0R1K0 Dimensions: Box closed: 2.44m x 1.96m wide x 1.19m (8’ x 6’5 x 3’11). Box open: 6.05m (19’10). Platform: 2.31m wide x 1.47m (7’7 x 4’10) Best Viewed: From the parking lot in front of Chemainus Public Market.

You have until June 4 to get your entry or entries in for Name the Mural Contest The newest addition to the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society’s outdoor art gallery is a departure from what is commonly called a mural, i.e. art painted directly on a wall or surface. The latest mural is painted on a box that contains a piano. See images and full description below. Working Title Piano In A Box Here’s where you can get involved. The Society is seeking a final name for the m...ural and encourages you to send us your ideas. Deadline: June 4 Please go to https://muraltown.com/name-the-mural-contest and submit your proposed mural name(s) by June 4, 2020. The winner, chosen by June 16, 2020, will receive a $100 gift certificate from 49th Parallel Grocery, as well as a Mural Book. You can also phone 250-210-3415 and leave a message which includes your name, address, phone number, email and proposed mural name(s). Where to Find It The mural is located at the Chemainus Public Market on Willow Street. The mural’s unveiling will take place when social distancing measures are no longer in effect. About the Mural The themes of this mural, painted on the inner and outer surfaces of a purpose-built box, are nature and music. The exterior of the box features a lush forest scene with some of its interested denizens keeping watch, with the music of the forest wending its way through the surroundings. The musical score is from What a Wonderful World popularized by Louis Armstrong. When the box is opened and the sides are outspread, the interior of the box is revealed. Viewers see a piano, painted and blended into an underwater ocean scene. Earth’s oceans have their own creatures and their own music, which is shown moving through the water. The water’s musical score mimics that of a whale’s call. The box was constructed by Dean Irwin of Chemainus and the mural was designed and painted by Kris Friesen of Duncan. More Than a Mural The original concept of a ‘mural on a piano in a box’ was conceived by Peggy Grigor, of Pottery by Peggy, and the 1905 Bell upright grand piano was donated by both Peggy and Brad Grigor of Turning Point Arts. Peggy wanted this to be a departure from traditional murals in several respects. First, it is not on a wall. Second, it is 3D and provides two murals in one. Finally, it is visual, audible and interactive. This is a public piano and everyone is invited to sit down and make music. See more

Hey Chemainus!!!! I am soooooo excited to bring a variety of delicious crepes and yummy coffee to your fabulous town Chemainus is a favourite place for all... the amazing goodies already on offer, the gorgeous murals that make it a fantastic walking town plus all the wonderful people living and working there. I am loving having an excuse to spend more time here Everything is coming together nicely and after this weekend I’ll just be waiting on approval from VIHA ... see you all soon :)

Went to Beyond The Usual today. I got myself the nicest pair of shoes (which I haven't taken off), and SAXX underwear for hubs, lol! Seriously, shop local for quality. And thank you, Chris for the great service and laughs

A message to our costumers from us here at Odika Cafe: We will not be opening our dining room, and keep only doing takeout until further notice. Allot of facto...rs went into this decision, some being, the health and safety of us and our customers is our top priority. As some as you may know, I myself am at high risk and my elderly mother living with us who depends on us for her care, is as well. We will remain as we are, with a limited menu to serve our community and stay with only my wife and I in the restaurant at this time, with the option to reassess in the future. We hope you will continue to support us through this desicion and that everyone is staying safe. :)