Wood Buffalo Mural Fest
Wood Buffalo Mural Fest (Mural Fest) is a public art initiative that brings vibrant new murals to communities throughout the region. The program serves as both a creative placemaking and graffiti abatement initiative, transforming public spaces while reducing vandalism through high-quality public art.
Mural Fest fosters collaboration among artists and provides mentorship opportunities for emerging creatives, supporting skill development and professional growth.
In 2026, the program focused exclusively on artists living within the Wood Buffalo region, with the goal of investing in the local creative sector, strengthening community connections, and contributing to the region's economic development through the arts.
Explore the murals:
North Parsons Pedestrian Bridge Underpass
Mural Artist: Sara Ashy
Directions: Located under the North Parsons Gateway overpass in Parsons Creek, Fort McMurray, the mural is accessible from the pedestrian pathway near the intersection of North Parsons Gateway and Coventry Drive. The mural is nestled along a scenic pedestrian pathway overlooking stormwater ponds and natural green space.
Status: Completed
Project Overview
This mural project is meant to transform the tunnel into a welcoming and meaningful space that reflects the diversity of the community in Fort McMurray, while simultaneously addressing the ongoing vandalism issue inside the tunnel by creating a piece that commends respect and admiration.
The theme, Foods of the World, celebrates the many cultures, traditions, and stories that exist within the region. People from all over the world have come to build their lives here, and this mural aims to visually represent that shared experience in a way that complements the murals on the outside of the bridge.
Rather than feeling like separate paintings, the mural will flow across the entire tunnel as one connected piece, much like a “tattoo sleeve”. The goal is to create something that feels alive and full of movement so that as people walk through the space, they experience a story unfolding around them. Both walls visually connect with each other through colour palette and narrative, creating a cohesive environment throughout the tunnel.
Sara believes mentorship is a key component of building strong relationships with youth and strengthening community connections. On June 15, 69 Grade 6 students from Elsie Yanik Catholic School participated in painting the walkway leading under the pedestrian bridge. During the mural installation, Sara also engaged four youth apprentices, providing hands-on mentorship and teaching mural painting techniques, creative processes, and practical skills involved in creating large-scale public art.
Artist Biography
Sara Ashy is a multi-media artist known for creating bold, community-driven public art. Based in Fort McMurray, Alberta, she works across a variety of mediums - watercolour, acrylic, and aerosol to digital design - using each surface as a space to experiment and evolve.
Her work is rooted in vibrant colour and expressive form, blending movement with abstract, realistic, and expressionist styles to create pieces that speak loudly. With a foundation in Fine Arts from Brock University, Sara is focused on building a body of work that reflects the energy and diversity of her community while creating meaningful connections with viewers.
@saraashyart
Father R. Perin School & Conklin Community School
Mural Artist: Jesse Gouchey, Miska Creative Society
Status: Complete
Father R. Perin School
Date: June 1 to 5, 2026
Location: Father R. Perin School is located in the community of Janvier. The completed mural was painted inside the school at the entrance to the school gymnasium.
Average Daily Attendance: 30 students
Conklin Community School
Date: June 8 to 12, 2026
Location: Conklin Community School is located in the community of Conklin. The completed mural was painted on high-quality plywood panels and will be installed in the 2027 school year.
Average Daily Attendance: 20 students
Wood Buffalo Wellness Society - Tawâw Residence
Date: June 6, 2026 (T-Shirt Making Workshop)
Project Overview
Jesse Gouchey of Miska Creative Society led collaborative mural projects at Father R. Perin School and Conklin Community School, engaging over 50 students in the creation of artworks that reflect local culture, identity, and the natural world. Through mentorship, storytelling, and hands-on artmaking, students gained confidence, learned new skills, and contributed to meaningful public art in their communities. Jesse also facilitated a custom t-shirt bleaching workshop at the Wood Buffalo Wellness Society's Tawâw Residence, using creative expression as a tool for connection, self-discovery, and wellness.
Artist Biography
Jesse Gouchey is an award-winning Cree Métis artist and descendant of the Papaschase First Nation. A graduate of Vancouver Film School’s Animation Concept Art program, he works across muralism, painting, animation, filmmaking, and design. As Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Miska Creative Society, Jesse leads collaborative art and education initiatives that blend contemporary media with Indigenous culture. Known for his large-scale spray-painted murals and vivid depictions of wildlife and nature, he has spent more than a decade delivering mural and painting workshops across Western Canada, particularly with Indigenous and underrepresented communities.
Website: miskasociety.com
Social Media: @miska.society
Thickwood Transit Station (retaining wall)
Mural Artists: Blake Loder, Logan Lauger, Maia Wendel, Sofiya Novikova
Status: In Progress
Directions: This mural site is located on the retaining walls along the Thickwood Transit Station below Centerfire Arena. The closest intersection is Thickwood Boulevard and Eymundson Road.
Project Overview
The mural is organized around the unifying theme of the four seasons, which are represented across the street-facing sections of the wall. Beginning at the wall adjacent to the washroom facility, the seasonal progression follows a natural sequence: Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring.
A secondary visual element connects these seasonal sections through the inclusion of bus-related imagery, such as stylized representations of buses or transportation-inspired motifs. These elements reinforce the site's function while creating continuity throughout the mural design.
The bus shelter and washroom areas serve as transitional spaces between the seasonal panels. These sections feature their own unique yet complementary scenes, incorporating whimsical, playful, or imaginative elements. Acting as visual "intermissions," they provide moments of surprise and creativity while maintaining a cohesive relationship with the overall mural theme.
Artists: Blake Loder, Logan Lauger, Maia Wendel, Sofiya Novikova
Artist Biographies
Blake Loder is a multidisciplinary graphic and user experience designer and visual artist. A local “unicorn” of sorts, being born and raised in Fort McMurray. With an in-depth understanding of traditional and digital media, Blake (stepping into mural creation for the first time) brings his varying experiences producing large-scale signage and posters to this collaboration.
Website: blakeloder.com
Logan Lauger brings creativity, technical skill, and visual storytelling to every project. As co-owner of the award-winning Bee N Bear Designs, they combine lifelong artistic practice with professional design expertise. Working primarily in acrylics, with experience in spray paint and mural creation, Logan creates welcoming, engaging artwork that leaves a lasting impression.
Logan is passionate about the power of art as a tool for mental health and personal well-being. They believe the creative process can help people work through emotions and challenges, express themselves, build confidence, and find connection. They also enjoy mentoring emerging artists and creating community spaces where people can explore creativity without judgment.
Instagram (Personal): @ideo.logi_
Instagram & Facebook (Business): @BeeNBearDesigns
Maïa Wendel is a Fort McMurray-based mural artist who has been actively creating public art since graduating from Father Mercredi High School in 2023. Her growing portfolio includes commissioned and volunteer mural projects on interior and exterior walls, cinder blocks, and garage doors, with an upcoming mural project at Nishiki Japanese Restaurant in Fort McMurray. Maïa is experienced in working with wall paints, acrylics, spray paint, and protective finishing techniques. She continues to refine her practice under the mentorship of Edmonton-based mural artist Dave Thomas (@DaveThomasArt66). Collaborative by nature, she is committed to creating engaging and colourful works that enhance community spaces.
Instagram: @ArtsyGhost22
Sofiya Novikova is a visual artist whose work reflects both technical skill and personal resilience. Originally arriving in Canada as a Ukrainian refugee, Sofiya has established a growing public art presence in Fort McMurray. Her portfolio includes two solo murals painted on concrete Jersey barriers that remain on public display, as well as collaborative work on the Tavern on Main mural project. Experienced with acrylics and spray paint, Sofiya confidently manages large-scale installations while contributing vibrant and meaningful artwork to the community.
Instagram: @zirka.ink
Artist Biography
Amy Keller-Rempp is a First Nations Mohawk artist from the Bay of Quinte, Haudenosaunee people of the Six Nations. She has been painting for more than 35 years and working with airbrush for over 25 years. Her artwork is inspired by her Indigenous heritage, Canadian wildlife, northern landscapes, and the memory of her late father, Dale Keller. She works across canvas, metal, murals, and other surfaces, combining realism with colour, light, and storytelling. Amy received the 2025 Indigenous Tourism Alberta Artist Impact Award, and her work is held by private, corporate, and public collectors across North America and beyond.
Website: AmyKeller.com
Instagram: @AmyKellerRemppArt
Artist Biography
Destiny Munawych is a Métis mural artist with experience creating custom indoor and outdoor murals across Alberta and Nova Scotia. Working on both residential and commercial projects, Destiny adapts each design to its environment using a combination of brushes, rollers, and spray paint. With a growing portfolio and experience across multiple mediums, Destiny brings creativity, technical skill, and attention to detail to every project. Inspired by community, culture, and place, Destiny enjoys transforming spaces through large-scale artwork while continuing to expand artistic techniques and mural practices.
Website: StarfallStudios.ca
Social Media: @starfallxstudios
Parsons Creek North Skate & Spray Park
Mural Artist: Renee Manners
Project Status: Consultation & Design
Directions: Located off Heritage Drive between Nicholson and Dakin Drive in Parsons Creek North, Fort McMurray. The mural site is on the exterior walls of the washroom building beside the skate park and spray park.
Artist Biography
Renee Manners is a Fort McMurray-based multidisciplinary artist, muralist, and art educator whose passion for art began in childhood. Specializing in realism, she works across a wide range of mediums including spray paint, acrylic, oil, airbrush, and set design. Her artwork appears on walls, windows, ice rinks, vehicles, and canvases. With extensive experience in large-scale murals, project management, aerial equipment, art instruction and event planning. Her talents also extend to comedy, storytelling and media; including SmART Kids, a TELUS STORYHIVE’s Project. Renee is dedicated to enhancing public spaces and inspiring creativity.
Instagram: @reneemannersmurals
Artist Biography
Danielle Fairweather is a Fort McMurray-based mural artist who has completed more than 50 murals and large-scale window paintings for local businesses over the past three years. Working full-time as an artist, Danielle specializes in realistic acrylic and spray paint artwork, bringing portraits, wildlife, and landscapes to life on a variety of surfaces. As a mid-career muralist, she has experience managing large-scale projects, budgets, timelines, and equipment, and is committed to continually refining her craft while contributing vibrant public art to the local community.
Facebook: @FairweatherArt
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