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Mural launches art history project

Event marks the 150th anniversary of the City of Victoria

 

 

 

 

The City of Victoria began 150th anniversary celebrations in a big way.

The first instalment in a year-long art project to commemorate the anniversary was unveiled in a ceremony on Gordon Street in downtown Victoria Feb. 7.

The mural, located on the back of the Scuby Furs building on Gordon Street, is entitled Victoria, and depicts the naming of the city after Queen Victoria.

"Downtown Art History 150 is a project designed by the DVBA to celebrate our city's history in various art forms in concert with a variety of downtown partners",  said Martin Leclerc, chair of the board at Downtown Victoria Business Association. "We will be using as our inspiration the many events and themes of history – both large and small – which occurred right in our midst, in downtown Victoria".

"When we are done, we hope to have half a dozen of these installations," said Ken Kelly, general manager of the DVBA. "We are presently working on finding the next location within our downtown for our next project."

The mural was painted by local muralist, Steve Milroy, who is renowned for his work in schools.

Potential installations in the business association's downtown art history project include a depiction of James Douglas' first map of Victoria, a visual history of movies shown downtown over the years, a Chinatown project, and a mural on the theme of justice.

 

"Through this project we are hoping to combine historical education with beautification of our downtown core," said Kelly. "We are excited to be able to undertake a project that will be of benefit to all who enjoy our city."