The Ideal Canvas
Hamilton city centre on James Street and York Boulevard in the heart of the city’s downtown core is about to become a canvas for some of the world’s most talented artists.
- Located in a historic building with a dubious real estate future
- Providing a blank slate for a creative renaissance
- Offering a platform for over 60 artists from around 16 different countries
- Showcasing a diverse range of styles, from graffiti to fine art
- Potentially making a bold statement about urban renewal
The building was closed back in 2022 with the goal of turning it into condos, but the real estate market has stalled, leaving the development on hold indefinitely. For the developers, this means that the building will likely remain shuttered for the foreseeable future, providing a de facto blank canvas for the artists.
“It’s kind of dismal looking with everything kind of shuttered… so we’re putting lipstick on a pig, but we’re just trying to make the best of a bad situation,”
As the project comes together, local artist Scott McDonald and dozens of other artists are working tirelessly to bring the building back to life. McDonald is one of over 60 artists from around 16 different countries who have come together to create what they say will be the largest mural in Canada. “For this weekend, we have over 60 artists from around 16 different countries. They’re all kind of doing their own thing, it’s a combination of graffiti, street art, and just fine art,”
Some of the participating artists have impressive credentials, including a partnership from Vancouver-based artist Kyle Shipman and his team. Their art will be video game-themed, a bold choice that promises to bring a touch of excitement to the project. “ It’s exciting and intimidating at the same time, you’re surrounded by world class talent, and it’s just an honour to be here and it’s inspirational to be honest,”
Others, like Shalak Attack, are taking a more poignant approach, using the mural as an opportunity to remind us of the natural world.
Shalak Attack’s piece will feature a spider woman with a nature girl beside her, a powerful message that will resonate with passersby.
The building itself has also had to undergo a transformation, as the entire structure was painted black to provide a clean slate for the artists.
| Materials Needed | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sherwin Williams paint | 250 gallons |
| 5-gallon pales | 16 on a skid, 48 pales |
The nearly 6-figure art project is made possible by the support of multiple donors and sponsors, including Sherwin Williams, Molotov Spray Paint Company, and others.
Scott McDonald, the project’s organizer, credits his vision to the support of the community and his art mentors. “Thanks to everybody who has believed in my crazy vision and it’s happening,”
McDonald says the nearly 6-figure art project is all worth it and made possible by the support of these individuals.
“When you have all these creative people working in the same space, that energy is just intoxicating, it’s awesome.”
The project is ongoing, with the artists working tirelessly throughout the weekend to bring the mural to life. Despite the challenges, the end result promises to be a stunning work of art, one that will showcase the diversity and creativity of the artists involved.