Murals are an incredible way to beautify communities, foster dialogue and offer a platform for artistic expression. As the Columbia Valley continues to grow, more public art will be embedded into the community, creating a vibrant and welcoming place for visitors and locals alike.
“Murals are not just decorative – they play an active role in shaping the character of a space, encouraging dialogue, and bringing people together. ” – Kelsey Van Raay
Radium Sinclair Creek Trail
As you walk along the beautiful Sinclair creek trail in Radium Hot Springs, you’ll be met with a vibrant mural featuring a cascading waterfall with local Kokanee Salmon jumping and vibrant florals that cover an otherwise grey retaining wall.
Ridgeview Resort
Ridgeview resort commissioned Kelsey to create a photo-op mural in a popular outdoor gathering area for guests. The mural represents a retro sunbeam, trees, and two swings on which visitors can pose for photos. The mural also includes the saying “My Happy Place”, which signifies the feeling guests get when they arrive to this lovely resort.
The Legion Invermere
The Invermere Legion is an important gathering space for locals and visitors. A Poppy mural was painted on the exterior wall overlooking the legion’s outdoor patio as a tribute to veterans and to promote remembrance. The mural features a famous remembrance day quote “At the Going Down of the Sun and in The Morning, We Will Remember Them” .
Summit Footwear Invermere
A local shoe store commissioned Kelsey to paint a vibrant and eye-catching mural on the exterior of their store, “Summit Footwear”. The mural represents a stylish black boot with a vibrant bouquet of flowers sitting on top of the shoe. This mural was meant to showcase the store’s offerings and add a unique characteristic to their storefront.
Bosley's Pet Store Invermere
The back parking lot of the Bosleys pet store hosts the Invermere farmer’s market every Saturday of the summer. This parking lot is also the backdrop to a large mural featuring two dogs running through water towards you. The mural is meant to represent the love for our pets and the nature they get to enjoy within this beautiful valley.
In tourist destination areas such as the Columbia Valley, charm and character are key to attracting visitors. Public art can play a transformative role in shaping the atmosphere of a community. Among the various forms of art, murals hold a particularly important place in the heart of local artist/muralist Kelsey Van Raay. Public murals are a way to create a sense of place, connect locals with visitors, and highlight the unique qualities of these towns. Kelsey is a local Invermere resident and a full-time professional artist. She specializes in custom canvas paintings and mural work. Her intention with her art is to transform the mundane into something vibrant and meaningful.
