MAPLETON – A colourful new mural will soon decorate a section of Drayton’s downtown.
The township’s economic development department has contracted Blazeworks Art to paint a mural on a fence along Wellington Street.
In 2019 the township installed a fence in downtown Drayton between Alva Cherry’s Garage and Drayton School of Music.
“This fence was installed with the landowner’s permission to cover the parking area of their business, with the intentions the fence would house a mural,” states a report from economic development coordinator Ally Hill presented at the Sept. 13 council meeting.
“This mural would bring artwork to downtown Drayton and help revitalize the downtown core.”
While the project was put on hold through the pandemic, earlier this year the economic development department and local economic development committee started to look at downtown revitalization.
“Murals are becoming very popular in downtowns and really help to brighten up the downtowns and show off what the community is all about,” Hill notes in her report.
Since Drayton already had a fence installed with the intent to display a mural, it was decided to proceed with that location.
“Both Alma and Moorefield locations were considered, but ultimately put on hold due to constraints with locations,” the report points out.
Hill told council the committee created a guideline for artist Blaze Wiradharma, who has painted murals in other area municipalities, including several in Minto.
After reviewing the initial design, she said, the committee requested “a few small changes” to be incorporated into the final design.
The landowner will also get to see the artwork before it is approved, Hill noted.
Work on the mural is expected to begin in late September, once the design is finalized.
Hill reported the painting will be included in the township’s Culture Days event lineup, offering local residents or visitors an opportunity to watch the mural being painted.
A high-quality outdoor paint, rated for 10 years without fading, will be used.
Councillor Michael Martin, who chaired the meeting in Mayor Gregg Davidson’s absence, asked how much the project will cost.
Hill noted the cost, expected to be under $10,000, has already been included in the economic development budget for 2022.
In response to another question from Martin, Hill explained the mural would be painted on a panel installed on the fence, rather than directly on the fence, allowing for easy removal if work on the fence is needed.
“I think it’s great. I love that it’s colourful and bright and I love the way they’re incorporating the pictures with the lettering …” said councillor Marlene Ottens.
“I think it’s beautiful. I look forward to seeing it go up.”
“It will definitely add some colour to that part of town,” agreed Martin.
