Take a self-guided tour, for your health!
The West Nipissing Community Health Centre has created a series of routes to help you get your daily steps and to explore the downtown murals. Walking poles are available at the West Nipissing Public Library (main branch) for those who would like to try them!
1 km route
15 to 30 minutes to complete.
Moderate route. Wheelchair accessible and friendly for those with limited-mobility.
2 km route
30 to 45 minutes to complete
Moderate route.
5 km route
1 to 1.5 hours to complete
More challenging. Includes hills
Join us on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 1:30 pm from the West Nipissing Public Library to explore some of our beautiful downtown art as a group. Light refreshments and snacks will be served. Everyone is welcomed. This event is wheelchair-friendly and accessible to those with limited mobility.
Coco the Bear
Welcome, Coco the Bear, carved by Dan Labrecque!
Dan has been carving since 2020 and he is a self-taught artist. He started as a tattoo artist which led to custom airbrushing. His career began as a bet between two friends to dare him into carving.
Coco stands proudly at 1.52 m (5 ft) and weighs approximately 113 kg (250 lb.) He is made of white pine and can be visited at 227 King Street in downtown Sturgeon Falls. Coco joins Stella the Sturgeon and Marina the Mermaid in our family of sculptures.
This project was funded by the Marché Sturgeon Falls Market which is organized and managed by volunteers of the Sturgeon Falls Beautification Group.
Les Roses et les Pinks
Raymonde Béland, the artist behind this creation, envisioned a mural that radiates joy for all, especially captivating the imaginations of little ones. She ingeniously transformed orchids into charming dolls donned in various outfits.
This artwork is a delightful fusion of fun, brightness, whimsy, and humor.
Raymonde’s painting adorns the wall of the Flower Shoppe at 188 King St in downtown Sturgeon Falls.
The Majestic Moose
By Marcel Fortin
Marcel Fortin was born in Sturgeon Falls and now lives in Lac Du Bonnet, Manitoba. He has roots in Field and a good part of his family remains in West Nipissing. Marcel is a self-taught artist and works primarily with oil paints.
Fortin loves to paint his favourite animal, which he truly believes represents Canada – the moose. His artistic vision and talent are evident in his painting, The Majestic Moose, depicting the enormous mammal, his strength and grace.
This painting, along with the artwork below titled The Northern Pike, is mounted on the fence at Sonia’s Patio at 227 King Street in Sturgeon Falls.
The Northern Pike
By Marcel Fortin
This painting titled “The Northern Pike” captures the beauty of a fish the artist caught many times when fishing on Lake Nipissing.
Marcel’s paintings are located at Sonia’s Patio at 227 King Street in Sturgeon Falls.
Bloom
By Veronica Demciuch
Veronica was a Grade 12 student at École Secondaire Franco-Cité when she completed this collection of murals. Her art is located on the south wall of the King of Queens Cannabis store at the corner of Main and Queen streets in Sturgeon Falls.
Her three paintings use distinct palettes – each having a floral element. She ties her theme together with the use of landscapes.
By sharing her art, Veronica wants people to have a pleasant experience, to have something nice to see while browsing through town.
Marina the Mermaid
By Laval Bouchard from Massey, Ontario
Marina the Mermaid is made of stainless steel and took one year to complete. Laval decided to sculpt a mermaid after a conversation with a friend who thought that a mermaid would look great on a rock in the water at his cottage. Laval nicknamed the sculpture Bobette and gave her hair to resemble the attitude of his favourite comedian Phyllis Diller.
Bobette was renamed Marina after she was purchased through private donations by a fundraiser initiated by Gayle Primeau, the lead of the Sturgeon Falls Beautification Group.
Thank you to all the donors and volunteers for finding Marina the Mermaid a home.
Keep West Nipissing Wild
By Stéphane Lennon
This mural is located on the north wall of the Michaud & Lévesque building on Queen Street. The artist, Stéphane Lennon provides a voice for nature in the constant battle against litter.
The mural features local animal life, carrying bilingual signs, protesting the harmful effects of litter.
The hope is that social commentary might induce people to think twice before tossing things on the ground. The theme is about keeping our area clean, green and beautiful.
We Are Here
By Jessica Somers
This mural was unveiled on September 30th to celebrate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and is located on Main Street on the walls of the Michaud & Lévesque building.
The two-panel painting honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. It also embodies a sense of hope that we can learn more about the impacts of the residential schools in Canada, and take the opportunity to educate ourselves and learn about Indigenous peoples.
Earth/Body, Air/Mind, Water/Emotions, Fire/Spirit
By Vero Coya
I AM
By Kim Peterson
This 6-panel collaboration between artists Vero Coya (Véronique Gervais) and Kim Peterson is installed on the south wall of Nipissing Food and Bins.
Vero Coya’s goal for her 4 panels was to represent each element Earth (Body), Air (Mind), Water (Emotions) and Fire (Spirit). In her art, nature and beings are always depicted and symbolic.
Kim Peterson was responsible for the center piece, a two-panel painting titled “I AM”. It reminds you to look within your heart to find and create your soul’s inner desires for freedom, peace, harmony, and joy.
Grandfather Teachings
By Jules Armstrong
Jules Armstrong, designed and painted the 3-panel mural along with students from White Woods Public School from her grades 7 and 8 Anishinabemowin language classes.
The work depicts the Seven Grandfather Teachings, reflecting the virtues of truth, respect, honesty, humility, wisdom, and love which are the underlying traditional Anishinaabe spiritual guidance. They are teachings that are often described as embodying the core values of aboriginal philosophy.
This mural is situated at the fountain on King Street.
Honouring Our Sisters
By Jessica Somers
This mural painted by Lavigne resident Jessica Somers draws a lot of attention.
The piece is a joyously colourful celebration of traditions and a painful reminder that so many indigenous women in Canada are missing, murdered, and marginalized.
The message of this mural is that we may bear witness to injustice, recognize the human dignity of the victims and survivors and stand in solidarity with the Indigenous people.
The mural is located at the southwest corner of the Michaud Levesque building and is sponsored by Paul Lévesque.
Stella the Sturgeon
One of the earliest commercial fisheries on Lake Nipissing was launched by Walter Adam and Hamilton Nelson Cockburn. From 1930 to 1950, Roy and his son William Cockburn, continued the tradition. Then, in 1958, the license was passed on to Roy’s other son, Walter Roy Cockburn.
The caviar produced from Lake Nipissing was of high quality which earned Roy the title of “Caviar King”. In 1963, Walter Roy Cockburn sold the business to Paul Benoit. He then sold it to Arthur Taillon in 1976.
The commercial fishing for the Sturgeon was closed in the 1990’s. It is now a protected species.
Excerpts from The Cockburn Family History
The sculpture of Stella Sturgeon was created by Laval Bouchard from Massey in Ontario and was originally intended for the Town of Owen Sound. It was built from a 9,100-pound scrapped propane tanks.
Stella was purchased through private donations by a fundraiser initiated by Gayle Primeau, the lead of the Sturgeon Falls Beautification Group.
Stella Sturgeon is located at 204 King Street.
Thank you to all the donors and volunteers for bringing Stella home.
Ascendance
By Danielle Beauchesne and Madyson Morningstar
This mural is a collaborative effort by Danielle Beauchesne and her daughter Madyson Morningstar, and was sponsored by Shawn Lavigne of Royal Lepage Real Estate.
The two-panel mural pays homage to the thousands of indigenous children lost to residential schools in Canada, and to the children buried on residential school grounds. It features a series of hearts as roots, breaking through a barrier, rising and blossoming as a garden of remembrance and renewal.
The title “Ascendance”, represents the notion that the truth always comes out in the end.
The mural is affixed to the walkway fence located between the Odeon Diner at 227 King Street, and the community fountain.
L’envolée irrévocable
By Renée-Claude Serré
This beautiful eye-catching mural titled ” L’envolée irrévocable”, meaning the irrevocable flight, depicts two of the artist’s favourite birds — a cardinal and a blue jay.
Renée-Claude’s art is indigenous-inspired, reflecting her own background, Anishinaabe. In this painting, the artist wants to share the message that we can’t take back what has happened in the residential schools but we can move forward now.
This mural can be seen at 173 King Street on the original site of the very first mural, by artist Mique Michelle.
Weekend Welcome
By Vera Charles
This mural brings back the delights of our warm summers. Three Muskoka chairs on a dock, a canoe and a beautiful sunset pop on the off-white brick wall. Such a perfect setting for a real estate office selling cottage properties!
The mural is affixed on the building occupied by the Page & Associates Realty, Brokerage building on 59 Front Street.
Rooted Medicine
By Camille Glodeck
This mural represents the older apothecary where compounds are derived primarily from medicinal plants. Plants were extracted by various means to make the forerunners of today’s medicines. Camille is passionate about medicinal plants; her mural shows us how modern medicine is still rooted in nature. It is a reminder that healing does come from nature.
The mural can be seen on the east wall of the Life Care Pharmacy on 77 Front Street.
Resilience
By Jeanne Labonté
This mural represents the dam, the falls and the sturgeon, all symbols of Sturgeon Falls. The title of “Resilience” was chosen by the artist because Sturgeon Falls is a very resilient community and when unfortunate events happen, our community rallies together and rises above them. The mural is sponsored by West Nipissing Roofing and Construction.
The mural can be seen on 227 King Street.
Rose’s Garden
By Don and Terry Clendenning
An homage to Pete Sénécal’s mother, Rose. Sénécal was the owner of the building until just recently. The rural scene features lots of activity, children running and playing with their dogs, kites flying, gardening, flowers – a bright reminder of the simple childhood joys of Northern country life.
This giant mural is affixed on the side of the Dollar Bazzar building on 214 King Street facing Queen Street.
A Kaleidoscope of Colours
By Jenn Jedynak
A tribute to tasty fast-food treats and designed to be eye-catching with fabulous colours is the mural by Jenn Jedynak. The mural features an array of colourful fast-foods, and a 50’s style waitress with a big smile, holding a platter in front of stylized sun rays. If you enjoy the whimsical style of the 50’s and 60’s along with your favourite foods, then this is the mural for you!
It is located on the east wall of Chez-Nous Cafeteria at 50 Queen Street.
Pride Mural
By Tracy DeCaen
The bright lively scene created by Tracy DeCaen includes Pride colours, musical notes, a camper van, the West Nipissing Pride logo, as well as a message of inclusion in English, French and Anishinaabe.
The colourful mural can be seen at the intersection of King and Queen.
Bird of Hope – The Heron
By Mique Michelle
Internationally renowned graffiti artist Mique Michelle, grew up in Field. Although her work as a painter brings her all over the world – Canada, the U.S., South America, Europe, and Africa – she has a soft spot for West Nipissing. The Métis artist wanted to bring a message of courage and hope to the area in light of COVID-19 and the loss of several community members. The gigantic soaring heron honours the losses by displaying the community members’ names inside its feathers. The Ojibwe words for “courage” and “see you again soon” are also incorporated within the artwork.
It is located on the north-facing wall of the Tribune building at 206 King Street.
Roses Are Pink
By your artist friend, Liane Longfellow
The well-known local artist was asked to paint a mural for the Nipissing Flower Shoppe in the heart of downtown Sturgeon Falls. Angèle, the business owner, kept an open mind as Liane shared sketched and ideas. Their creativity and collaboration resulted in a bright, somewhat abstract, navy and fushia set of roses – in line with the shop’s brand colours. The piece was mounted just in time for the 2019 International Plowing Match in West Nipissing.
This colourful mural hangs on the side of the Nipissing Flower Shoppe building at 188 King Sreet facing William Street.
The Sturgeon Fish
By Hélène Chayer
The Sturgeon fish is part of the Municipality’s heritage and was once fished for caviar. This mural was originally created for the IPM display for the Sturgeon Falls Beautification Group by Hélène Chayer. It has since been reworked by adding colour and background.
The Sturgeon hangs on the Minnehaha Bay Marina at 300 Main Street.
Mama Wolf’s Garden
Le jardin de Mama Lou
By Aimée Rivet and Cole Baker
Artists Cole Baker and Aimée Rivet of the local business called Arts Studio / Studio d’arts transformed a 20-metre-wide fence into a colourful flower garden. It was inspired by Aimée’s late grandmother’s garden.
The work can be seen at the private parking lot near 204 King Street.
Precious Moments
By Marcie Cloutier
Marcie took some of her inspiration from photos of a trip to Greece taken by Gayle Primeau, lead of the Sturgeon Falls Beautification Group. A sunny Mediterranean feel to her painting with a mother and child seated at a table surrounded by bougainvillea trees. Both Precious Moments and A Time to Relax are embedded with messages of community, love, warmth, beauty, growth, kindness, sharing and caring.
The mural is located on the south-facing wall of Chez Angèle at 201 Main St.
A Time to Relax
By Simone Desormiers
Simone Desormiers’ painting is an outdoor scene of a meal set on a table in a fenced-in patio, with a stone paved walkway leading the eye to a garden and expansive sky. Desormiers took her inspiration from various sources. Both A Time to Relax and Precious Moments are embedded with messages of community, love, warmth, beauty, growth, kindness, sharing and caring.
The mural is located on the south-facing wall of Chez Angèle at 201 Main St.
Well of Knowledge
By Joelle Myre
Local artist Joelle is fascinated by circle patterns and abstract artwork because it leaves much of the interpretation to the viewer. People get to enjoy this piece in their own way, with a personal perspective.
The beautiful mandala is displayed at the Literacy Alliance of West Nipissing, 184 King Street, at the back entrance off of William Street.
In the photo: Gayle Primeau on the left, Joelle Myre on the right.
Soaring to New Experiences
By Paulyne Charron
The artist created a whimsical mural inspired by the tree of knowledge. It represents that learning, getting out of a comfort zone, and trying new things can be fun. The piece showcases books flying from a tree and turning into butterflies as they rise, illustrating that in literacy, everything is new – that in learning, one can soar.
The inspiring piece is suitably displayed at the Literacy Alliance of West Nipissing, 184 King Street, at the back entrance off of William Street.
A Flip of Faith
By Tracy DeCaen
The mural is an acrylic rendition of a cyclist doing a flip in a stop-action stream. DeCaen’s painting has a unique greyscale quality, inspired by her experience in charcoal artwork and realism. The mother of three made her mural a family event. Her daughter named the painting and her two girls helped her establish where the bikes should be on the mural.
The mural is located at 48 John Street.
Wings of Hope
Les ailes de l’espoir
By Julie Lafrenière
This mural is interactive, inviting viewers to become part of the scene. Visitors can get a photograph of themselves between the vibrant multi-coloured wings, which was designed by Alexa Jessome and painted by Julie Lafrenière. Within the piece is a reflective Gandhi quote chosen by Gayle Primeau: “I must be the change I wish to see in the world”. The names on the bottom of the mural are a dedication to Gayle’s mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law.
Wings of Hope is located at the corner of John and Main.
Fields of Sunflowers
By Lori Delorme
The mural adds a bright sunny touch to the downtown area. It was painted by Lori Delorme to commemorate the shop owners, her father and aunt who both loved sunflowers. It features large sunflowers in the foreground and a forest in the background. Up close, viewers can see butterflies, bees and hummingbirds that give the painting additional life.
The two-panel artwork can be seen on the southern wall of the Stop and Shop at 226 King Street.
In the photo: Lori Delorme on the left, Gayle Primeau on the right.
Paw Prints to My Heart
by Lisa Filiatrault
This mural celebrates pets and the joy they bring us. The store-owner and artist created this two-panel mural that was inspired by her clients – both human and furry. The painting, displaying a chalkboard-like background, features the paw prints of Filiatrault’s various clients, accompanied by their names. Inside is a drawing of a hand meeting a paw, captioned with the phrase “When I needed your hand, you gave me your paw.” It is illustrative of the positive impact a pet can have on a person’s life.
The mural is located at Lisa’s Pawfect Pet Grooming shop at 56 John Street.
George the Rocking Gorilla
By Jocelyne Labelle
A big colourful gorilla with headphones is an appropriate addition to for the wall of the downtown store it represents. The mural is a replica from the collection of works by famous artist Banksy. The mural has a pastel feel to it although it was created using outdoor paint. Labelle gives full credit to Banksy for the original concept and sees her painting as a homage.
It can be seen on the south wall of Audio Video + Home Furnishings on the corner of King and William Streets. 187 King Street.
Martin the Friendly Bear
By Shirley Rose Cockburn
Shirley who is well-known for her landscape artwork has been experimenting with the subject of wildlife – particularly bears. She is a well accomplished artist who loves to share her passion through art studies, art shows, offering workshops, and selling personal original artwork.
This Mural graces the north wall of the building that houses Pharmacie Aubin, at the corner of King and Queen Streets. 220 King Street.
I See You
By Paulyne Charron
The outdoor scene offers its viewers a play on perspective. It showcases a hunter’ view looking out from his jacket. Paulyne’s goal was to illustrate the experience by focusing on his/her perspective – the hunter’s view.
The mural is mounted on the north wall at the corner of John and King on the PBL building. 162 King Street.
Healthcare Heroes
by Dianne Lacourcière
The artist and retired healthcare worker created the piece as an homage to all frontline workers facing the COVID-19 health crisis. The artwork was adapted from that of Denver based artist Austin Zucchini-Fowler. Displayed is a winged healthcare worker wearing a pair of red boxing gloves, surrounded by floating dots – representing the airborne virus. The concept of caring and fighting for one’s community is strongly embodied in this painting.
The two-panel mural is situated on the north facing wall of the building at the corner of John and Main and was sponsored by the West Nipissing Community Health Centre.
Think Happy Be Happy
By your artist friend, Liane Longfellow
The 70’s inspired mural was hung up to raise the spirits of community members during trying times. Liane’s professional line of artwork, made up of diverse mediums such as pottery and paint, is well-known for its colourful and uplifting vibe.
The bilingual panels are found on the side of the Nipissing Food and Bins store at 196 King Street.
In the photo: Store owner Alice Arbour Giroux on the left, artist Liane Longfellow on the right.
Fishing on Caché Lake
By Flore Dauphinais Côté, Jocelyne Dauphinais Desbiens and Gisele St-Georges
The two-panel artwork pays an homage to the good life. The artists took pictures of the location and stitched an idea together for a representational piece of Caché Lake surroundings – the area they love and call home or camp.
The mural can be seen on the Northern wall of the PBL Insurance building at the corner of King and John Street.
In the photo: the three artists with Gayle Primeau (bottom)
Solitude
by Hélène Chayer
The Verner artist created this three-panel mural featuring a Northern Ontario landscape of birch trees, blue skies and water. The beautifully crafted painting brings earth tones and calmness to one of the busiest streets downtown.
The artwork is mounted on the south side of the building housing La Vie en Couleur and MJD Place at 209 King Street.
Community Life
By Suzanne Brouillette and Raymonde Gaudette
This mural was created in 2018 in the spirit of beautification. The life-sized street setting features a walking trail, town houses, and a restaurant. The people in this piece were inspired by local residents who enjoy the town, walk their dogs, pick up leaves and work towards beautifying their community. The mural sends a message of gratitude for the beauty that surrounds us and also serves as an anti-littering awareness piece.
The wide mural covers the entire side of the building on the corner of Main and William Street.
In the photo: Gayle Primeau
Historical Mural of Sturgeon Falls
By Ashley Guénette and Courtney O’Neil
This mural showcases a wide variety of Sturgeon Falls landmarks including the old St-Jean-de-Brébeuf Hospital, the Abitibi Mill, the Windsor Hotel, and many others.
The historical mural is located at 159 Main Street.
The First Mural
By Mique Michelle
This mural was created in April 2017 in memory of our mothers. It featured fish from our lakes with a bright yet soft watercolour quality. Despite the fact that it has since been painted over, this mural holds a special place in Gayle Primeau’s heart, since it marked the beginning of the Downtown Murals project. Graffiti artist Mique Michelle came back in 2020 to paint the large heron on King Street.
Who’s behind this?
All murals are created by talented volunteer artists and are funded by donations from organizations, individuals and/or local businesses. Each mural contributes to the spirit of Joie de Vivre by embodying community support and by encouraging local tourism.
Many of the downtown mural projects were initiated by West Nipissing resident Gayle Primeau. Gayle is a passionate community leader and volunteer who is involved in various beautification and art-related initiatives in West Nipissing. The idea of sprinkling the community with colourful and meaningful artwork came from her parents who had visited Chemainus, British Columbia. She continues to work with local artists, businesses, and individuals to make the vision of an attractive downtown setting come to life.
Thank you to the West Nipissing Tribune for the articles and ongoing support.
Thank you to Jeanine Beauchemin for her support for the translation and linguistic revision in French.
BaladoDiscovery
Check out the BaladoDiscovery virtual tour featuring the murals and our community welcome signs!
