Wood Buffalo Mural Fest to bring pops of colour to region

Wood Buffalo Mural Fest is here to brighten up Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo! 

Ranging from locations in Parsons Creek to downtown Fort McMurray to the airport, new murals will be installed by local and national artists throughout August and continue into the fall.  

“We are excited to see Mural Fest bring artists from all across Canada to collaborate with local groups, organizations and businesses,” says Todd Hillier, chair of the Public Art Committee. “These new works of art will showcase some amazing artistry in key areas of the community for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.” 

Join local artist Ruth Perry for a fun-filled morning of rock painting and artistic inspiration at Beacon Hill Park from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Aug. 9. 

Share your experiences and memories to help shape the future art installation in Beacon Hill Park. 

Can’t make it? Email participate@rmwb.ca to share your stories and feedback. 

Take in live painting and performances on Aug. 24 

Join Public Art Wood Buffalo for a free family-friendly public art exhibition from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at kiyām Community Park on Aug. 24. 

Celebrate the impressive talents of Wood Buffalo Mural Fest artists and the local creative community with live mural painting and a variety of performances. You can also purchase some goods from local vendors and taste some delicious snacks! 

Schedule of events

Stay in the know: subscribe to the artist roster 

Join the artist roster to receive emails about upcoming artist calls, programs, events and information sessions. 

Subscribe at rmwb.ca/PublicArt.

Fatspatrol is an award-winning artist and curator of Indian origin, born and raised in the UAE. A 3rd culture kid.  

Having painted murals in 10 countries, worked on commercial projects, and engaged actively with community outreach, her career captures the place of art in society from all angles.  

Fatspatrol believes fundamentally in art’s ability to help heal and move the world forward; a means of making sense of our existence, transcending boundaries and categories, creating human connection, and finding universal truths. Her bold graphic style of drawing is a hybrid language from a medley of influences: comic books, Indian folk art, Middle Eastern textiles, graffiti and more.    

Website: fatspatrol.com 
Socials: @fatspatrol 

As an artist, Marg Cresswell (she/her) has always been fascinated by the natural beauty of the Canadian landscape and through her love of trompe l’oeil, she has found a way to share its splendor on several levels.  

The effect of trompe l’oeil offers the chance of discovery. Marg aims not to deceive, but to reveal the illusion. This meeting place, between the real thing and the painted thing, brings the viewer to the edge of illusionism, only to assert that the reality is painted. Although the deception may appear only momentarily, it is an instant of being deceived. Once the illusion has dissolved, the viewer is left to enjoy the visual delights her murals have to offer.     

Socials: @muralsbymarg

Stephanie Bellefleur is an award-winning contemporary visual artist born in Venezuela, Latin America, who currently resides in Saskatchewan.  

Over the last 10 years, Stephanie has worked on public art projects at both the grassroots community-engaged level to large-scale projects ascending to 23 stories high! Stephanie’s artistic practice incorporates bold colors with strong graphic lines. She believes that great attention is lent to capturing the organic process of one’s life experiences turning them into healing manifestations.  

Stephanie's key mandate for The Haus of Bellefleur is to provide accessibility through a conscious commitment to prioritize placemaking, equity, and sustainability. She believes in capacity-building opportunities for both youth and community members at large, particularly for remote and marginalized folks.  

Website: thehauseofbellefleur.com 
Socials: @bellefleurhaus   

Alexandra’s art is a tribute to the industry that brings people together, providing opportunities and supporting the community of Fort McMurray. It is for those who have sacrificed, those who dream and those proud of what was built here.  

“Most of us came to Fort McMurray looking for the same thing, but we stayed because we found so much more. I paint what this place means to me and those working by my side. I paint its possibilities.”  

Website: akfineart.ca 
Socials: @oil_sands_artist  

Maria-Rosa SZY (she/her) is a Polish-Canadian mural artist. Her style can be described as visual poetry. Her artworks are characterized by a sensitive touch, a strong use of light effects, the use of vibrant colours and the ability to stir the depths of the soul with her mesmerizing characters.  

Her aim is to transport viewers to a world where reality blends seamlessly with the magical, evoking a wide range of emotions and inspiring contemplation. You can find her murals in Albania, Australia, Canada, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico and many other countries.  

Website: szychowska.com  
Socials: @maria.rosa.szy  

Ruth Perry is a distinguished mural and mixed media artist whose vibrant creations have graced the Treaty 8 territory for the past 14 years. Her deep connection to the community has been forged through a diverse range of activities, including volunteering, teaching art, painting murals, and installing sculptures. Ruth’s artistic journey began at Memorial University, where she pursued Fine Arts.  

For Ruth, art is a profound language that resonates with the soul in indescribable ways. She believes that when the soul is illuminated by art, life itself becomes more vibrant—especially when one is deeply connected to the surrounding land and people. Through her work, Ruth invites viewers to experience the transformative power of art and its ability to foster meaningful connections. 

Artist Danielle Fairweather is our newest addition to the Fort McMurray Art scene! It hasn't taken her long to leave her brush mark on the city. 

Being a professional artist of only five years, Danielle is excited to take her art to the next level and create bigger projects while making a positive impact in the community. She comes from New Brunswick to Alberta with the same aspirations of most of us that move here - make it BIG! 

Keep your eyes peeled for Danielle's murals around the city - even after our Mural Fest has ended, she will continue to provide art professionalism in our area. Whether it's art for your business, home or fun paint nights - she has got you covered! 

Socials: @FairweatherArt