Mural Painting Opportunity at Gill Street Community Complex
City of Orillia selects artists to paint murals celebrating 'Orillia's Sporting Spirit' at newly reopened arena facility.
The City of Orillia issued a call to artists to create murals both inside and outside the newly reopened Gill Street Community Complex. The selected murals will celebrate Orillia's sporting spirit by showcasing the city's vibrant recreation culture, strong sense of community pride, and the arena's role as a hub for athletes, families, and spectators. The project offers artists the opportunity to create bold, high-visibility public artwork that captures themes of movement, energy, teamwork, and Orillia's long-standing dedication to sport and recreation. Artist Steph Dunn was selected from approximately 50 entries by a jury panel to paint the indoor mural. Her design features a watercolor composition incorporating hockey players, figure skaters, lacrosse players, swimmers, rowing sculls, and pickleball imagery in vibrant colors with flowing design elements representing Orillia's two lakes. The selected artist will paint on an aluminum canvas approximately 4.5 by 8.5 feet, which can be painted in the artist's home studio and then transferred to the venue. The mural will be displayed at the entrance of the facility. The unveiling of completed murals is scheduled for early April, with details to be announced. This opportunity showcases the importance of public art in community spaces and celebrates local artistic talent while enhancing civic infrastructure.