More than just a splash of colour at Pop-Ups on the Bay

If you’ve had a chance to visit the Pop-Ups on the Bay already, you’ll likely have noticed the murals painted on many of the outlets.

Prior to opening, 14 local artists were commissioned to paint 15 designs on the pop-ups at West Zwick’s Park.

City of Belleville Development and Tourism Coordinator Elisha Purchase says the idea came from Toronto’s Stackt market which also uses containers for commercial spaces.

“They had recognized artists in the city and worked with artists to really elevate the space. So, we were able to partner with Bay of Quinte Marketing Board to help fund some marketing initiatives that allowed us to free up some funds that would then go into the mural project.”

Pop-Ups on the Bay is sharing more about the artists and the works they’ve created on its social media accounts.

“It really, I think, represents the diversity that’s represented by our local artist community and I certainly encourage people when they’re checking out the Pop-Ups on the Bay and supporting businesses that are operating there for the summer to really take in the art that’s down there. I think it will make for some beautiful backgrounds when people are taking photos in the park.”

One mural, painted by an anonymous artist, features feathers, representing the bodies of the 215 children recently discovered at the Kamloops Residential School in B.C.