Fraser Public Arts Committee finalizes Mural Fest canvas placements, photo booth plan

The Fraser Public Arts Committee on July 30 adopted updated canvas placements for this year’s Mural Festival, keeping only two canvases in the traditional on-street locations to preserve pedestrian flow. Committee staff said the change was meant to avoid blocking sidewalks and interfering with traffic patterns.

Marketing and Communications Manager Sarah Wieck offered her driveway at the ‘yellow house’ as the site for artist Jeff Skinner’s photo booth, saying the private location would “eliminate concerns about paint on the driveway and was a safer option away from traffic near Sharkie’s.” The sauna feature used in prior years was confirmed as not returning this year because of heat concerns. Committee members said Sarah will coordinate with Skinner on whether the photo booth will be set up Thursday night or Friday morning and will notify affected parties about any parking restrictions.

The committee also confirmed that Fraser River Beer Company would not host canvases this year because newly added decor left inadequate room for artists to step back and view their work. With that change, three canvases will be placed across the street and five canvases will remain at the 120Z location. The committee asked Sarah to speak with Brian at the brewery to ensure there are no surprises given the brewery’s long-standing support of the event.

The committee said these placement decisions are intended to balance artist needs with pedestrian and traffic safety; Sarah will publish the final map once placements and timing are confirmed.