The exterior of The LINC Youth Centre and Indoor Skatepark has a vibrant new look thanks to a youth-led mural project unveiled in late July.
Under the mentorship of local illustrator and muralist Emily Thiessen, five local youth artists, Nico, Emma, Saumya, Olivia and Aurora, created the colourful three-wall artwork. The mural celebrates inclusion and youth culture in Courtenay, reflecting the spirit of The LINC as a welcoming space for all.
Since January, the youth artists have been engaged in every step of the project, from consulting with their peers on the question 鈥淲hat does The LINC mean to you?鈥� to developing concepts and bringing them to life on the building鈥檚 fa莽ade.
鈥淭his project has created something beautiful for The LINC, but it鈥檚 also built skills, confidence and a sense of ownership for the youth involved,鈥� said Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells at the official unveiling on July 31. 鈥淚t reflects the diversity of Courtenay鈥檚 youth and shines a spotlight on The LINC as an inclusive space where youth can connect, create and belong.鈥�
The mural supports the City of Courtenay鈥檚 new Strategic Cultural Plan, Goal 2: building community resilience through arts and culture, by supporting community belonging and inclusion, where differences and similarities are celebrated.
The City thanks everyone who contributed to the project: Artist and muralist Emily Thiessen for her mentorship and artistic leadership; the youth artists who participated in the project; the Comox Valley Art Gallery and Comox Valley Arts for their support and assistance selecting artists; Honey Grove Bakery for generously providing the use of their parking lot as a painting space and fuelling the artists with delicious treats; Central Builders/Home Hardware for donating the scaffolding used to paint the mural; and Recreation staff for their ongoing support throughout the project.
The mural is now a permanent feature of The LINC Youth Centre, 300 Old Island Highway.
