Scampering down the alleyways of Whyte Avenue is not something I’d typically recommend, unless you want to see new colourful murals painted by local and travelling artists.
The RADO-Alley Mural Fest aims to give lesser known artists a platform to showcase their talent while revitalizing a mundane alley west of Whyte Avenue. At the moment, the alley consists of mismatched grey and white walls specked with dirt. Come the long weekend, the walls will be completely transformed.
“It’s just going to be a big hangout session,” says Grady Wallace, organizer of the RADO-Alley Mural Fest. “The main point is to really improve the community and improve the area, but also give artists an opportunity that isn’t really available for a lot of people.”
Artists are coming from Vancouver, Calgary and elsewhere to join in on the fun. There will be a handful of murals painted, and each one will reflect the businesses in the area in some way. The painting will be happening all weekend long with food trucks, art installations and a DJ on site to keep spirits high and positive.
“At the end of the day, even if we have two spectators here, at least we have a bunch of murals that are painted,” says Wallace. “That’s kind of the goal of the project is to make a transformation with art. And people may not even appreciate it until next year, or the year after when there’s even more art popping up, but you have to start somewhere.”
The RADO-Alley Mural Fest will be taking place September 4 to 6 in the alley between 82nd Avenue and 83rd Avenue, and between 107th Street and 108th Street. Pop by anytime over the long weekend and see the alley come to life with art.
