New murals to decorate West End neighbourhood

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This article was published 22/08/2022 (1132 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A vibrant wave of art is coming to Winnipeg’s West End neighbourhood.

As part of the Renew Art Project from the West End BIZ, 12 new 10-foot-by-10-foot murals are being crafted and will be permanently installed throughout the area.

“I want to share love through this artwork and to share love in my community and city,” artist Xavier Mutshipayi said.

He’s one of 12 artists who are creating a mural for the project, which will decorate the area and share the stories of its residents.

“At a time when there couldn’t be a more welcomed sense of renewed positive energy and connection, the unfolding and collective process of this project leaves a feeling of a beehive-like hub made pure of creativity that aims to share our collective love for art as well as try something new,” Mandy van Leeuwen, artist and project curator said in a release.

For Mutshipayi, the project is an opportunity for him to showcase his skills and complete his first ever mural in the city. His piece, titled Sisterhood, is inspired by his sister-in-law and stands out due to its lively shades of green.

“Green is a colour that brings vision and fortuity,” he said. “I’m excited for people to see my work and I hope this won’t be my last mural.”

He’s hoping to complete his mural next week and will work on it for a few hours every day until it’s done.

Kal Barteski is another artist who is excited to be a part of the project.

“It is such a gift to live in Wolseley. I have quite a few pieces here and to be able to add more throughout the community just makes me feel like I’m leaving a bit of a legacy and I love that,” she said. “I’m a huge fan and supporter of community art and public art. I think it goes a very long way in solidifying a good community morale and instills a sense of pride in people.”

Barteski’s mural will be text-based, colourful and feature flowers. She hopes members of the community stop by to chat when she begins working on her piece Thursday.

Those interested are welcome to walk by and observe the artists working on the murals in the vacant parking lot at 943 Portage Ave.

When all of the murals are completed, an event will be held to view the work and hear from the artists. They will also be posted on the West End BIZ’s social media accounts.

bryce.hunt@freepress.mb.ca