Mural Project

928 Brunette Avenue (At Zara's Hair and Beauty Salon)

This design blends time and color together in a vibrant landscape that celebrates the Maillardville area. The tree heralds back to the early 1900’s and the history of the mill workers as well as the Festival du Bois. The clock within the tree (with tis tiny numbers flying away) is a nod to the iconic clock tower across the street, as well as a symbol of how the area has grown and evolved over the years. The variegated leaves of the tree represents a healthy community, full of life and colour, with its roots running deep – a strong foundation. 

Artist Bio

Laura Kwok is an illustrator and muralist with a playful spirit and an old soul. She is captivated by the beauty of nature and her artwork is merely a small ode to the grandeur of the natural world. Her recent work focuses on capturing the ethereal life cycles of flowers and creating a visual language of botanical symbolism as a means of expression. Laura’s style is often described as bright, whimsical, and full of joy.

Her murals can be found all around the Lower Mainland, having collaborated with local businesses like Pajo’s Fish & Chips and the Steveston Sweet Shoppe, to organizations such as Tourism Richmond, TransLink, and BC Children’s Hospital. Laura hopes to continually connect with humans and strengthen communities through painting and adding colour to the world.

953 Brunette Avenue (Opus Art Supplies)

“Artful Connections” is a vibrant celebration of the unifying potential of art, transcending language barriers and bringing together people from diverse backgrounds. This mural captures the essence of creativity as a universal language that forges connections beyond words, allowing individuals to share emotions and experience despite their differences. The mural’s vivid depiction of figures engaged in creative expressions serves as a visual representation of the harmonious coexistence of varied identities, emphasizing the richness of diversity. In a world often divided, this artwork stands as a poignant reminder that art has the unique power to bridge divides, dissolve boundaries, and evoke a profound sense of belonging, underscoring that our shared creative expressions form bonds that celebrate the vibrant mosaic of humanity. 

"Inspired Community" is all about bringing out the artist in you and making us feel inspired through community and belonging. Bright colours and cool shapes mix together to wake up your imagination and show that community, being creative knows no limits. 

Each panel shows different shapes and colours, encapsulating the essence of unity through diversity. Like people, every shape and colour is unique, special and good enough on its own. When these diverse colours and shapes come together, they create a composition that is greater than the sum of its parts. Without having to change who we are but instead, celebrating our uniqueness, we can create stronger and more vibrant communities. In togetherness, we not only become more inspired and creative but can also truly thrive. 

Artist Bios

Lay Hoon, better known by her moniker Arty Guava, is a Malaysian-born artist who currently resides in Vancouver, Canada. Her creative practice includes an array of mediums such as digital art, traditional painting, large-scale murals, and digital art installations. 

After graduating with a degree in Bioengineering, Lay Hoon pivoted towards the creative industry to pursue her passion. She spent a decade in Singapore, where she worked with globally renowned brands like Heineken, Shiseido, and SK2, primarily in branding and packaging. In 2019, Lay Hoon migrated with her family to Canada and rekindled her artistic practice during the pandemic. Her work quickly gained popularity, and Lay Hoon began to receive commissions from notable brands such as Coach, Herschel, Society 6, Ong Shunmugam, and Frankie Magazine. 

Lay Hoon draws inspiration from various sources, including her childhood in Malaysia, nature, and dance. Her designs feature vibrant flowers, celebratory poses, and animals moving freely through the wild, conveying a buoyant lust for life sprinkled with a hint of fantasy. She sees her art practice as a means to express her desire for more harmony in the world, encouraging people to live in harmony with one another, nature, the environment, and themselves.

Over the past few years, Lay Hoon's exploration of themes such as sisterhood, dance as an expression of freedom, balance, and self-care has been a continuous driving force in her creative process. Her art embodies a sense of joy and positivity that reflects her passion for life and her love for the world around her.

Angie Quintanilla (keen-tah-knee-yah) Coates is an artist originally from Monterrey, Mexico, based in Port Moody, BC. When she moved to Canada 21 years ago, Coquitlam became her first Canadian home, and will always hold a special place in her heart. Angie's art is fueled by a passion for vibrant colors and a resilient sense of optimism, drawing inspiration from her rich Mexican heritage and the breathtaking Canadian landscapes. Her commitment to sustainability drives her to incorporate eco-friendly practices into her creative process whenever possible.

In her artistic journey, Angie has created a unique style that resonates with audiences worldwide, receiving commissions from brands like Warby Parker, M&M’s, McDonalds, The United Nations, The New York Times and Dr. Martens. 

Angie believes that art has the power to connect people, transcend cultural barriers, and convey universal emotions.

As a self-taught artist, she deeply appreciates the opportunity to pursue a career in art. Through her colourful pieces she invite viewers to join her in celebrating the connection between artistic expression and joy.

1120 Brunette Avenue (Place des Arts)

Place des Arts was selected for one of the six Streetscape Enhancement locations for the 2023 Mural Program. Their mural theme is Alice in Wonderland, which relates to their upcoming Summer Theatre Troupe “Through the Looking Glass”.

Artist Bio

Born in San Salvador, El Salvador, Jocelyn Sanchez is a Latine interdisciplinary artist and illustrator who creates work under the moniker of “creamy skeletons.” Jocelyn graduated in 2015 with a BFA in Visual Art and has an M.A in Animation from the University of South Wales. In the past three years she has worked with communities in the Metro Vancouver area to create murals and paintings, including working with the Vancouver Mural Festival. She has also worked with the City of Burnaby through the Deer Lake Artist Residency program to create interactive stories through digital games.  

Her work can be described as self-reflexive and impulsive through the techniques of automatic drawing. She is influenced by the styles of pop surrealism, the divinity of animals and latine religious folk art. Jocelyn’s work contains themes of cultural identity, magic, and memory to explore feelings of diaspora, and escapism.

1198 Pinetree Way (next to Spirit Square)

The piece immediately calls attention with the Coast Salish spindle whorl face at its centre, ringed by protective “ripples” that feature the area’s plants and animals. The art symbolizes Indigenous presence on this land, guardianship of the territory, and the life cycles of the Northwest Coast. Not all the birds are local, representing the diverse cultures present in this region.

Artist Bios

Since the summer of 2018, the Raven-Tacuara collaborative artistic history has been vibrant and consistent. The collective’s public art murals can be found in the Northwest of British Columbia, and individually our artists work can be found across Canada.

Bringing influences from the traditional and contemporary indigenous styles of the Coastal First Nations, along with themes of abstraction and illustration, environment and culture, the artists create works that build a sense of place in the community.

The process of their collaborations is evolution of ideas, open to one another’s input and re-interpretation. As they approach each new wall they come together as one, to lay out colour and layers bringing a blank wall to a new statement for awareness and enjoyment. This process is the base of every project the collective brings to life.

The Raven-Tacuara collective is Facundo Gastiazoro, Amanda Hugon, Stephanie Anderson and Travis Hebert all residing in the Skeena-Bulkley Valley region of British Columbia.

Facundo Gastiazoro – Argentinian

Professional Muralist with over 20 years experience, completing works across the Northwest Coast, and in Argentina. Along side his mural work, Focundo is also proficient in Illustrations and Filming. Resides in Smithers, BC.

Amanda Hugon – Stó:lō: kʷikʷəƛ̓əm, Cheam and Michif Professional Artist

A long-time artist from the community of Terrace, British Columbia. She is a graduate of the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art and specializes in creating a fusion of her contemporary art style with traditional Northwest Coast Art. Resides in Terrace, BC.

Stephanie Anderson – Laksilyu (Small Frog) Wet’suwet’en Nation

Professional Artist with over 10 years experience in Northwest Coast Art, Sculpture, and Deisgn. Current Instructor at the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art. A lifetime resident of Terrace, BC.

Travis Hebert – Cree, Métis

Musician and Mixed Media Artist. Travis is a Solo Artist and former member of Mob Bounce. He has been creating original musical works to high acclaim and has had his tracks featured in the locally produced “Monkey Beach” film. Resides in Witset, BC.

• raven tacuara reel 2021
• the embrace
• Raven-Tacuara Undulation and Turmoil

1207 Pinetree Way (Town Centre Park Community Centre)

kʷikʷəƛ̓əm team, led by Amanda Hugon, who is a member of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem First Nation) and was part of the project team for The Ripple (1198 Pinetree Way). The project will also be supported by Sweewa (Joseph Kambeitz) an esteemed kʷikʷəƛ̓əm elder, Master carver, Jewelry Maker and Hand Engraver

Artist Bio

Amanda Hugon – Stó:lō: kʷikʷəƛ̓əm, Cheam and Michif Professional Artist

A long-time artist from the community of Terrace, British Columbia. She is a graduate of the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art and specializes in creating a fusion of her contemporary art style with traditional Northwest Coast Art. Resides in Terrace, BC.

1169 Pinetree Way (Coquitlam Public Library, City Centre Branch)

"Paperback Dream", painted by Carolyn Wong/Seeroro, is located on the north side of the Coquitlam Public Library, City Centre Branch. 

Artist Statement

This mural captures the free-spirited essence of imagination through the depiction of a young girl surrounded by Coquitlam's natural beauty. With mountains, rivers and wildlife blending seamlessly into a dreamlike world, the artwork invites viewers to experience the harmony between reality and fantasy. By celebrating the local landscape, it encourages everyone who visits the library to tap into their own creativity and explore the limitless possibilities within. Ultimately, this piece serves as a vibrant reminder of the magic that exists when we embrace our imagination. 

Artist Bio

Carolyn Wong is an illustrator and mural artist based in Vancouver, Canada. She has a deep love for storytelling and strives to create vibrant illustrations that celebrate nature and community values. As a first generation Chinese-Canadian, her work is a reflection of both eastern and western influences as she draws on nostalgic themes that resonate with diaspora communities. Carolyn's artwork celebrates the beauty of nature using colourful graphic forms combined with dynamic natural elements. 

630 Poirier Street (The Getaway Youth Centre)

Inspired by Laura Kwon, "There Is Always Good In The World" is located outside The Getaway Youth Centre (630 Poirier Street). The mural is a celebration of the thoughtful and innovative young people in our local community. 

Artist Statement

The design was created with the help of 31 youth participants who responded to the questions, “What inspires you?” & “What makes a happy and healthy community?”. The teens came up with various themes, visual symbols, and sentiments that helped shape this vibrant mural representing their collective interests, core values, future hopes, and big dreams.

Artist Bio

Laura Kwok is an illustrator and muralist with a playful spirit and an old soul. She is captivated by the beauty of nature and her artwork is an ode to the grandeur of the natural world. Laura’s style is often described as bright, whimsical, and full of joy. Her murals can be found all around BC, having collaborated with cities, local businesses, and non-profit organizations for over a decade. Laura hopes to continually connect with humans and strengthen communities through painting and adding colour to the world.