Self-Guided Downtown Art Tour

Former Halifax Memorial Library at Spring Garden & Grafton St. The flower xylophones brighten up Grafton Park. Group: PBJ Design Society.

Artist: John McPartland aka ABSEN. The concept for Sound of Time is a young woman at the piano in deep concentrated thought about her art. At her feet is a young man who is working studiously on composing his music. And to the left, a young girl observing their creative hustle. McPartland drew inspiration from the relationship with time and growth, the creative sparks we see in older people when we are kids, and how through hard work, we can grow up to become the people we once idolized.

Artists: OSO Planning, in partnership with Spencer House Senior Centre. With the pandemic making so many of us feel disconnected and isolated, especially seniors, this project was born. OSO and Spencer House seniors refreshed and painted the six benches located in front of the former Halifax Memorial Library in Grafton Park. 

 

Artist: Sarah Cannon (@nightarcade). Depicts a woman and her dog sitting in a patch of brightly coloured lupines as they watch butterflies dance overhead. The concept was inspired by Sarah’s encounters with the natural wonders unique to Canada’s East Coast. Came to life thanks to Paramount Management, on behalf of Maxwell Properties Limited, and  DHBC’s Gritty to Pretty Placemaking grant program. Reflects the ongoing evolution of Cannon’s body of work in which she develops various characters to examine how curiosity and exploration of nature contribute to cultivating positive mental health and well-being.

Mural by Jon Cruz (@blazentattoo) at "The Hub" at 1580 Grafton Street. This mural was created as a part of the Halifax Mural Festival 

Mural by Boris Biberdžić aka Borrris (@studioborrris) at "The Hub" at 1580 Grafton Street. This mural was created as a part of the Halifax Mural Festival .

Mural by Brian Porter (@porter_the_artist) at "The Hub" at 1580 Grafton Street. This mural was created as a part of the 2023 Halifax Mural Festival. 

Mural by bosny (@bosny.jpg) at "The Hub" at 1580 Grafton Street. This mural was created as a part of the 2023 Halifax Mural Festival. 

Mural by Reno (@re3noh) at "The Hub" at 1580 Grafton Street. This mural was created as a part of the 2023 Halifax Mural Festival. 

Mural by Corey Pane (@coreypaneart) at "The Hub" at 1580 Grafton Street. This mural was created as a part of the 2023 Halifax Mural Festival. 

Mural by Anisa Francoeur (@anisafrancoeur) at "The Hub" at 1580 Grafton Street. This mural was created as a part of the 2023 Halifax Mural Festival. 

Mural by DJ Andresen (@davidjandresen) at "The Hub" at 1580 Grafton Street. This mural was created as a part of the 2023 Halifax Mural Festival. 

Mural by Margot Durling (@margotdurling) at The Hub on 1580 Grafton Street. The mural was created as a part of the 2023 Halifax Mural Festival. 

Mural by Ghettosocks (@ghettosocks) at "The Hub" on 1580 Grafton Street. The mural was created as a part of the 2023 Halifax Mural Festival 

Mural by Donnie aka PekingDon (@pekingdon) at "The Hub" on 1580 Grafton Street. The mural was created as a part of the 2023 Halifax Mural Festival. 

Artist: Daniel J. Burt. The mural, entitled “Living Space,” represents endless imagination and how the mind can't be confined. It depicts a day dreamer, similar to the thousands of people coming to Halifax to chase their dreams.

Mural by Nessy (@nessyrt) at "The Hub" on 1580 Grafton Street. This mural was created as a part of the 2023 Halifax Mural Festival. 

Mural by Duane Jones aka vereduanejones (@vereduanjones) at "The Hub" at 1580 Grafton Street. This mural was created as a part of the 2023 Halifax Mural Festival. 

Artist: Peatr Thomas (@thunderbird4311). Peatr is an Ininew/Anishinaabe artist. The mural "Mikisew” – meaning “eagle” in the Ininew language – is made up of the Ininew syllabics ‘sah’ ‘kih’ ‘tah', which make the Ininew word for “love.” The syllabics are overlayed with the silhouette of an eagle, which is part of the 7 Sacred Grandfather Teachings and represents love.

Mural completed by Mike Burt (@princefuze). Dynamic street-art version of a warrior during a struggle. The main purpose of this mural is to be visually stimulating with bright and bold colours.

A beautified retaining wall with a composition of fantastical African birds and beasts and their North American cousins. Artist/Group: Alex Mbuga Thuku (artist) and NSCAD University.

Grant Recipients: Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre (MNFC), and Open Studio One (OSO) planning + design Lead Artists: Angela Doyle – Faulkner, Jean Jacobson, and Dora Takatak. Artists: Sophie Amaral, Emma Charles, Crystin Edwards (Little Bear), Angela Jones, Justin Lewis, Sipu Martin, Emma McCarthy, Vivian McDonald, Ava Merrick, Maddox Merrick, Rachel Merrick, Theresa Meuse, Shaylene Morris, Merrigan Palliser, Theresa Palliser, Lena Richerdson, and Rebecca Salmonson.

19 circular murals created by 19 local Indigenous artists ranging between the ages of 9-55. Over five workshops, the Indigenous community shared stories, developed mural concepts and learned new and traditional painting styles while completing their art pieces.

The mural celebrates Halifax and its support of local and emerging performers and musicians through its annual Busker Festival. Artist: Drew McSherry, @drinoart. Building Partner: Scotia Square, @scotiasquare

Inspired by the street art of Tom Bob, this project transforms the urban infrastructure into something that brightens the street and brings a smile to the passersby. Artist/Group: Jason Skinner (@jason.a.m.skinner) (artist), PBJ Design Society and Greenwood Lane.

Artist: Trackside Studio's Daniel J. Burt. Name reflects that in 2020 humans are more connected with each other than ever, yet many are still divided. This mural is for the people who go out of their way to help others. 

Artist: Daramfon Morgan and Victor Nwaokpani. The mural aims to build on the authenticity and solidarity among BIPOC community members. Highlights what the artists learned about Black Atlantic Canadian history (and the role African Nova Scotians, and those from African Diaspora, have played in shaping it.) The mural is comprised of four panels that use recognizable NS landmarks to highlight the link between BIPOC communities and NS culture. 

Artist: John McPartland aka ABSEN (@absenarchives) The design was developed to complement the tropical feel of the rooftop patio and the urban enivronment it's in. The colours of The Pint are incorporated in the design. The bird depicted, House Finch, is a social bird and like to be in chatty - much like the customers on a patio.  

Artist Jason Skinner (@jason.a.m.skinner). Starfish Properties and The Loop. Every Downtown has its collections of interesting characters and, here, artist Jason Skinner collects a few of them.

Orange and blue geometric pattern mural on the Barrington Street and Spring Garden Road bus shelter. PBJ Design

'Rising Tides' is a beautiful depiction of the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that burns here in Halifax. Artist: John McPartland, known as @absenarchives. Partners: ONSIDE Now, The Halifax Innovation District, Volta, Slate Assets Management, and Downtown Halifax Business Commission 

Original Art in the parkade to transform an otherwise dark or drab wall into a wall filled with colour and creativity. Artist: James Janssen, group: Argyle Fine Art and The Hardman Group Limited. There are 5 murals, one on Granville level, and 4 more on floors 4 & 5

Artist: Kristen De Palma of KDP Letters (@kdpletters). Features the word "welcome" in over 20 languages, including Japanese, Arabic, and Mi'kma. Consultations with cultural group ensured accuracy of translations. Aims to welcome the international students that Granville Hall hosts every year.

Adorns the building steps in front of the FM Architecture - Interior Design - Planning office with a repeating pattern of honeycombs in blues and yellows, and detailed honey bees and Nova Scotian wildflowers. Altruistic Current Team - Amber Solberg, Dylan Smibert, Elyse Moir, and Erica Meschwitz.

Mural depicts rum-running boats tied at dockside in the early morning. Artist Jake Sibert used existing elements on the wall as part of the scene

Artists: Daramfon Morgan and Victor Nwaokpani. The mural captures the essence of exuberance and happiness that radiates from Black children as they engage in sports and embrace the outdoors. This vibrant artwork showcases two distinct scenes that beautifully depict the youngsters reveling in the pure delight of play.

This colourful mural is made of rectangular wooden tiles inspired by the sky and water of the Halifax Harbour. The tiles are nested in the vertical recesses of the retaining wall surrounding the access point of the overpass that connects George Street to the courtyard of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. This mural was completed by Joseph Pesina, Luke Fair, and Rachel Anzalone in early November 2020.

This mural, called The Sea in Her Blood, is inspired by the diverse, and sometimes unexpected connections Nova Scotia women have with the sea. Came to life thanks to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Trackside Studios (@trackside.studios) and DHBC's Gritty to Pretty Placemaking grant. Artists include Mike Burt (@princefuze), Daniel Burt (@bunhundred) and Justin Fraser-Fong (@pekingdon).

Artist: Sarah Cannon. Group: Argyle Fine Art, Develop Nova Scotia and Downtown Halifax Business Commission. When you visit the waterfront, make sure you walk around to the back of the I Heart Bikes container to see this beautiful work of art.

Mural by Peatr Thomas (@thunderbird4311) at Pavillion 22, 1031 Marginal Rd. This mural was created as a part of the 2023 Halifax Mural Festival.  

Mural by Jordan Bennet (@jordanbennettart), 1031 Marginal Rd.  This mural was created to commemorate the 2023 North American Indigenous Games, and was created during the 2023 Halifax Mural Festival. 

Vytaiemo,” which means “welcome” in Ukrainian, and it’s been in Peace and Friendship Park for 30 years.

The bronze monument was installed in 1992 to commemorate a century since Ukrainians first arrived in Canada in 1891.

Artist: Dawn MacNutt

This iconic blue wave sculpture, designed by artist Donna Hiebert is one of the most photographed attractions on the Halifax waterfront.

The Cenotaph was erected in the center of the square as a memorial to the 1,360 Haligonians gave their lives during the First and Second World Wars and the Korean Conflict.

Designed by Chris Hanson and Hendrika Sonnenberg, the ‘Get Drunk, Fall Down’ sculpture at Bishop’s Landing’s nearby Helipad features a lamppost slumped across the pier, with its concerned friend looking on. The ‘Fountain’ lamp post shoots a stream of water into the harbour. A quirky art piece, these lampposts are a felicitous installation fitting for a city with one of the highest number of pubs per capita.

“Passage” is a dramatic, large-scale granite sculpture by Vasilis Vasili located at Sands at Salter, just waiting for posting on your Instagram feed.

Facade lighting and best seen at night.

Historic facade lighting, and best seen at night. Group: Oakport Limited/A.S. Developments. 

The mural makes use of iridescent paint, creating both a daytime and nighttime experience. Artist Jake Siebert, and The Stubborn Goat.

Facade Lighting. Best seen at night.

Historic Facade Lighting. Best seen at night.

Historic Facade Lighting. Best seen at night.

Historic Facade Lighting. Group: NSCAD University. Best seen at night.

Facade Lighting. Best seen at night.