NEW PUBLIC ART MURAL COMING TO DOWNTOWN

WORK WILL BE DISPLAYED ON NORTH-FACING EXTERIOR WALL OF THE NORWOOD THEATRE

A large-scale mural is coming to downtown Bracebridge.

The Town of Bracebridge, in partnership with the Downtown Bracebridge Business Improvement Area, is excited to bring a new piece of public art to downtown Bracebridge. Starting on Sept. 2, DRIFT Mural Co. will be painting the mural on the north-facing exterior wall of the Norwood Theatre that celebrates the spirit of Muskoka.

To prepare for the mural, three 12-feet-wide by 14feet-high panels were to be installed the week of Aug. 28. Beginning on Sept. 2, residents and visitors are welcome to visit Memorial Park to watch the piece come to life in real-time. The mural is expected to take between seven and 14 days to complete, dependent on the weather.

"I am excited to watch DRIFT Mural Co. bring this new mural to life and add vibrancy and beauty to Downtown Bracebridge. This collaborative initiative demonstrates the town's commitment to supporting community vibrancy and long-term economic development. Through the support and recommendations of the Public Art Advisory Committee, we can continue to make art more accessible to the community and create spaces for connection," said Mayor Rick Maloney.

"As a resident of Bracebridge, a business owner in the heart of Town and Chair of the BIA, I cannot express how excited I am for this mural to take shape. Our community is forever growing and looking to the future, while holding our history, heritage, and natural beauty close to our hearts. This mural will incapsulate all that we strive for and will be a wonderful enhancement to our beautiful downtown core," said Lindsay Alexander, chair of the Bracebridge Business Improvement Area.

The mural design uses a variety of creative symbolism, including mapped blue shapes of local lakes to showcase the significance of water in and around Bracebridge, children fishing to symbolize the liveliness and soul of the community, clouds to depict the stunning sunsets and abundance of fresh air, and more to reflect the beauty of the area. As the composition of the design is so rich and varied, passersby can discover a new element each time the artwork is viewed.

The town's Public Art Advisory Committee recommended DRIFT Mural Co. for this initiative after an extensive request for expressions of interest process that took place from March 2022 to May 2023.

The Town of Bracebridge's Public Art Policy directs the integration of artwork in Bracebridge, increases livability and artistic richness in town, and provides more opportunities for art awareness, appreciation and accessibility. The Public Art Advisory Committee provides support, guidance and strategic recommendations to council related to the accession and location of public art within the Town of Bracebridge.

– Submitted by the Town of Bracebridge