The focus of the 'River of Time' mural, which reads "flow gratefully through the currents of time."

River of Time

The ‘River of Time’ mural was undertaken by artists Natalie Very B., Bareket Kezwer, Julii McMillan and Julia Prajza, as part of the Neighbourhood Love Collective’s Gateway Mural Project. The mural depicts artistically rendered wildlife, rivers and other nature scenes flowing through the seasons, the observer’s eyes following a series of unbroken rolling hills that pass through the seasons.

Renaissance of Mother Gaia

Renaissance of Mother Gaia

Jacquie believes colour is the universal language of emotions; it is light and energy, an electric current to the human brain, known to possess healing properties to change our thoughts and the way we feel. This mural speaks of regeneration and the power of resilience through a year of deep challenges. Through experiences of loss, grief, and uncertainty of the future, we also find ourselves at the wake of a new light and social consciousness. She hopes this mural serves as visual therapy to encourage wellness and mental wellbeing.

Artist: Jacquie Comrie

Grow. Rise. Lead.

Grow. Rise. Lead.

In collaboration with Ryerson University and The STEPS initiative, 6 commissioned murals were produced in collaboration with street artist Peru as part of a larger laneway revitalization project to make The O’ keefe Laneway a safer and more vibrant space.

Riverside Pollinators (2016)

Riverside Pollinators (2016)

Created in collaboration with artist Nick Sweetman, the ‘Bees and Urban Pollinators’ enviro theme mural recognizes Riverside’s hidden green spaces that maintain wildflowers and local hives, as well as the bee-keeping culture in the east-end. The mural’s ‘Time and Clocks’ theme is an homage to Albert Edelstein, a long-time clockmaker and jeweller in Riverside who was integral to founding the Riverside Business Improvement Area (BIA) in the 1980s.

We Breath as One (2014)

We Breath as One (2014)

Commissioned by the East York Town Centre, this youth-driven mural, created in collaboration with The STEPS Initiative, artist Nick Sweetman and the Toronto Emerging Artivists (TEA) “We Breath as One” mural celebrates the cultural diversity and unity present in the areas of Thorncliffe and Flemingdon.

Our Stories (2016)

Our Stories (2016)

STEPS Initiative, in collaboration with artist Jim Bravo and clients of COSTI Immigrant Services, developed a mural that serves as a combined celebration of the history of the area, and the collective experiences of newcomers to Canada.

Reggae Lane

Reggae Lane

In collaboration with The STEPS Initiative and artist, Adrian Hayles, this 1200 square foot mural engaged and celebrated legendary Toronto reggae musicians as part of a larger urban heritage project.

Thorncliffe Tower Renewal Mural

Thorncliffe Tower Renewal Mural

As part of a larger revitalization led by United Way Toronto, this youth-driven environmental mural was created in collaboration The STEPS Initiative, artist Nick Sweetman and The Toronto Emerging Artivists. The mural depicts the positive environmental impact of “reducing”, “reusing”, “recycling”,as well as “respect”. These messages have been superimposed in several locally spoken languages. Participating youth also painted national flowers representative of many of the countries from which local residents originate.

SKEIN

SKEIN

This large-scale installation transformed an unsightly underpass near Dufferin and Eglinton into a local landmark in collaboration with The STEPS Initiative and artist collective PA System.

In Our Hands

In Our Hands

“In Our Hands” (2015) In collaboration with artist Nick Sweetman, this 2700 square foot youth-driven mural explores local environmental issues and transformed the side of Valley Park Middle School in Toronto’s Flemingdon Park.