Visitors to the W.G. Johnson Centre is Hespeler will soon be welcomed by a special wall mural done by local artist Stephanie Boutari.
“The idea for the mural came from the interest to incorporate more public art in unexpected places,” Carolynn Thompson, recreation supervisor for aquatics, youth and leisure at the City of Cambridge, said.
“Our community centres see so many people ranging from newborns to older adults, so it’s the perfect environment to invite our residents to see art and explore what they like or don’t.”
Boutari is completing her architecture degree at the University of Waterloo and has painted murals throughout Waterloo Region, London, the GTA and other cities in Southern Ontario.
Her past clients include Shopify, Google, Shutterstock, Colliers, HIP Developments, and Cadillac Fairview.
“This work enhances art and culture by offering additional exposure to local art for those who may not otherwise encounter it in their day to day lives,” Thompson said.
“The mural will enhance communal space as it represents the colourful diversity of our city and the different cultures and identities within the community.”
Thompson says she wants the community to take the time to stop in, appreciate the work and understand the effort the city puts into its facilities to make them a welcoming environment.
“I hope the community recognizes the care and consideration that the city puts into facilities and communal spaces,” she said.
“This mural is a visual representation of the community we see within the W.G. Johnson Centre and I hope it makes people feel welcome in the space.”
