Artist Serena Love painting behind Tanya Sedore Photography (photo courtesy of the DownTown Association)

By Emily Keller

DOwntown revitalization

Art in the Alley pilot project aims to revitalize downtown

Aug 22, 2019 | 1:04 PM

The City of Grande Prairie and the DownTown Association have started a pilot project to showcase local talent.

The Art in the Alley project is an initiative to revitalize the downtown alleyways through artworks and murals.

Wendy Bosch, Executive Director with the DownTown Association, says they hope the project will liven up the downtown area.

“So, we’re looking at increasing walkability, increasing the arts and culture side of the core, to bring in an experience for, you know, the public and visitors, something that is fun and unique.”

The city granted the association with $20,000 for the project as a way to augment the revitalization that has been occurring for three years in the city centre.

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The DownTown Association is now working on their side of things as part of the process, says Bosch.

“The DownTown Association is now doing their part, and our part is showcasing what we have to the public. There is a lot here that people may or may not know about, and it is our turn to show off who we are, so we are re-branding, we are looking to grow.”

The funding allows the DownTown Association to provide participating businesses with up to $4,000. The money is is given to businesses in two parts, the first part upon signing and the second upon completion of the project.

The businesses are then the ones who decide which artist to hire.

Bosch says currently, there are three finished murals.

“We have the one behind Shewolf, we have one behind the Tanya Sedore Photography building, and now we have one at Better Than Fred’s, and hopefully we can showcase new ones, if not this year hopefully this program can run into next year.”

Mural done by Serena Love, behind Shewolf Studio

She also says that any artist looking to be involved in this project are more than welcome to call the Association at 780-538-1909 and give their name.

The three completed murals are by local conceptual artist Serena Love.