Wild Water's Edge

Mural Routes Member(s): Joanne Feely DeGraaf

Artist(s): Joanne Feely DeGraaf

Producer: Bell Box Mural Project

Completed: July 2023

I am inspired by the trails, conservation areas and proximity to the Credit River that Halton Hills residents enjoy. These spaces provide spectacular experiences for its human population and contribute essential habitat for native wetland flora, fauna and migratory species. Titled Wild Water’s Edge, my Bell Box mural design is meant to echo the joy of interacting with nature and to celebrate the treasured, beautiful ecosystems in Halton Hills. It does this by featuring different species, including insects, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds, depicted in vibrant shoreline scenes.

Each side of the Bell Box features wetland flora and fauna that thrive in the local wetlands. One side features a great blue heron, a migratory visitor, depicted catching a fish for its meal at the water’s edge. Nearby, a dragonfly buzzes in the sunlit air. The other side features a busy beaver collecting tree branches as a turtle suns itself on a tree stump. A frog swims at the water’s edge while a red-necked grebe floats on the shimmering water. Aquatic flora such as cattails and lily pads frame these wetland fauna vignettes, filling the Bell Box’s edge designs.

Colours echo nature, with cool blues and greens dominating the pallet, and warm colours used to create highlights and contrast. Vivid colours and shadows make the animals and plant life stand out from the sparkling blue water. By bringing the water’s edge to this community space, I hope that viewers feel included in these vibrant water’s edge vignettes and that it provides people of all ages with a joyful way to connect to nature.

Thank you to Halton Hills (#hhPublicArt) for the opportunity to paint in Acton.

See the artist’s related Instagram post for more.

For More Information: https://www.haltonhills.ca/en/explore-and-play/bell-box-murals.aspx