Two Maple Ridge murals unveiled; third underway at Haney Place Mall

Two new murals have been unveiled in downtown Maple Ridge and a third is underway at Haney Place Mall through the city-funded Mural Collective.

The initiative is led by the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association and pairs local artists with youth to create public art reflecting the community, its natural environment and local perspectives.

Ben Evely and students from Samuel Robertson Technical Secondary School created the first completed mural on the Harris & Leib Insurance and Sure Print Copy building. The abstract, patchwork-style work was developed from photographs students took around Maple Ridge and includes interactive elements for visitors.

The second completed mural, on the Roots Natural Organic Health Foods building, was created by Carly Bouwman with Samuel Robertson students. It features regional species at risk, including the great blue heron, western painted turtle, western bumble bee, white sturgeon, Oregon spotted frog, barn owl and marbled murrelet.

Laura Johnson is working with UPlan students on the third mural, on a northwest- and west-facing wall of Haney Place Mall overlooking the Greg Moore Youth Centre. The city says residents and visitors can find Maple Ridge public-art locations at MapleRidge.ca/PublicArt.