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Close up of lobster mural, Great George Street, Charlottetown

Murals and the Makers of Prince Edward Island

PEI Murals and the Makers

Published May 4, 2023 | Team Tourism PEI
Categories: Attractions & Sightseeing, Outdoor Activities

Across Prince Edward Island, a growing collection of outdoor murals and public art installations invites visitors to slow down and take in the stories and creative talents brought to life in these artworks. Established and emerging artists have contributed to transforming these public spaces. Let's meet two of them!

Scott O'Neil, O'NeiLs PEI

Award-winning artist Scott O’Neil is an Islander by choice. Whether working plein air or from his studio, he is inspired by the beauty of everyday life. In 2021, he was commissioned by the Kensington Chamber of Commerce to create a “free-spirited” large-scale painting to capture the rural beauty, coastlines, cultural experiences and inclusiveness of the area affectionately called the “Heart of the PEI.” His whimsical interpretation took three months to complete and is a slight departure from his typical landscapes, seascapes and custom artworks.

Heart of PEI, Kensington Train Station Band Stand

Heart of Kensington mural
Heart of PEI by @oneilspei
Scott O'Neil paints a PEI landscape in his studio
Scott O'Neil stands beside one of his paintings in his gallery

 

Ashley Anne Clark

Ashley Anne Clark is a multi-disciplinary artist from New Glasgow, PEI, who pays attention to the nocturnal and natural world. She is an all-around beautiful human being and it shows in the rawness of her artwork; sometimes playful, sometimes profound, always thought provoking.

Clark sees murals as an opportunity to "transform often overlooked spaces into something magical that can spark people's curiosity and imagination...public art is accessible to everyone. In that way it can bring art into people's lives without them expecting it."

In early 2022, she was commissioned by #HeartofPEI to create a large-scale painting to beautify the local fishing harbour; "Whale Song" was the result. Today, the mural stands proud amid the reconstruction of the Stanley Bridge Marina post Hurricane Fiona. Perhaps, its survival is a message of encouragement and a reminder of the fragility of nature.

Whale Song, Stanley Bridge Marina

Outdoor mural at Stanley Bridge Harbour titled "The Whale Song" by Ashley Anne Clark
Whale Song by @_ashleyanneclark
Artist Ashley Anne Clark stands in front of her mural at Founders Food Hall in Charlottetown
Luna Moth, Founders' Food Hall @_ashleyanneclark
Large scale mural of moth in woods at Gardens of Hope, PEI
Polyphemus Moth, Gardens of Hope by @_ashleyanneclark

 

Prince Edward Island’s outdoor public art collection offers a glimpse into the people and perspectives of this place and the abundance of local artists looking to share their gifts with the community.

This is your invitation to take a self-guided tour and more closely explore both new and familiar streets, sidewalks and spaces of PEI. Snap a few photos and tag us using #ExplorePEI. Selfies always welcome!

More Murals & Public Art to Discover

 

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