The Chemainus Art Group’s mural mosaic Joyful Spring in Chemainus made a temporary stop before finding a permanent home.
After the group’s finished piece was unveiled at the Waterwheel Park bandshell, it was displayed in a street-side window at the new Chemainus Library throughout June and up until July 5.
Related story: Joyful Spring mural mosaic on display at the Chemainus Library
The news didn’t stop there in a sequence of events for not only the mural mosaic but also the 33 artists who contributed to making the 32 squares.
During the summer, one of the CAG members mentioned to Shannon Bellamy of the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society that a permanent place was being sought for the mural mosaic.
Bellamy contacted CAG director Ellen Brandson and, after several telephone discussions about the mural mosaic, Bellamy put the mural forward to a review committee for possible inclusion in the collection.
“On July 1st we were thrilled to find out our mural mosaic had been accepted and would become number 7 in their Community Series receiving its own plaque and would be included in all their information,” noted Brandson.
Bellamy then coordinated the search for a permanent location. Two good options were presented and it eventually went to the Public Market in Chemainus after connections were made with Patricia Berry, owner/operator of the market, to house it there.
The original mural mosaic was divided into three parts, Brandson explained, and mounted on a stand allowing for portability to display at various venues. With the mural being permanently hung, the mosaic squares needed to be attached – not previously done – and then new backing put on it to reduce weight and reframed, with appropriate hardware for hanging the 4’ x 8’ work of art.
“This was successfully done and on August 10th the Chemainus Art Group mural mosaic Joyful Spring in Chemainus was permanently hung by two installers from the market,” Brandon pointed out. “Displayed next to the mural mosaic is a list of the 33 artists who participated on the 32 squares (one couple shared a square).”
It was a proud moment for all, but especially Brandson and Gaileen Irwin, who originally worked from start to finish on the project by the members. Irwin completed her commitment once it was displayed at the library and Brandson assumed responsibility for the next steps as CAG director.
Artists put their hearts into creating a cheerful collaborative work during the dark days of winter. They were given some guidelines, but the overall design of their squares was kept a secret until the completion of the work.
It’s not yet known when the plaque will be presented and when the Chemainus Art Group mural mosaic will be officially included in the Chemainus Festival of Murals.
