Iconic Chemainus mural to be restored

Mural #33 Memories of a Chinese Boy by Arthur Cheng

Restoration of Memories Of A Chinese Boy in Chemainus will start around noon on Aug. 17

World-renowned Vancouver artist Arthur Cheng will be returning to Chemainus, Canada’s Mural Capital™, to do a complete restoration of his famed Memories Of A Chinese Boy mural, located on the south wall of the building housing Wing’s Cafe, on Chemainus Road. Please drop by between Aug. 17 and 23 to say hello, and watch a master at work.

Born in Nanchang, China, Cheng Shu Ren (Arthur) established his reputation as an outstanding artist in Beijing. He has won many awards with distinction and in 1985 he was named in The British Who’s Who. His versatile works include extensive garden and park designs in Shanghai. His bronze and marble sculptures and monuments have won him many prestigious awards from the Shanghai Arts Festival.

His submission for Memories Of A Chinese Boy was chosen from among 14 in a competition sponsored by the Canadian Chinese Artists Federation, and he became the first Chinese artist to enhance the walls of Chemainus.

Arthur Cheng with Star Works Novelty Works mural in the background

Arthur Cheng with Star Novelty Works mural in the background

Cheng came to Canada in 1990 and now enjoys the artistic experiences and the new challenges this country offers.

Cheng’s daughter, Ying, assisted him in painting Memories Of A Chinese Boy, which they completed in just 14 days. He also created the statue of H.R. MacMillan in Waterwheel Square, and returned in 2005 to paint Star Novelty Works. Ying regrets she won’t be able assist her father on this time round.

The restoration will take place over the same weekend on which three Emily Carr-inspired murals will be unveiled in the lane between Utopia Bakery and Bonnie Martin Restaurant. The unveilings will take place on Saturday, Aug. 20, between 11 am and 1:30 pm. Click the yellow bar at the top of muraltown.com for event details.

The Chemainus mural project is the world’s leading community-driven art tourism experience. Spurred to save a community from certain economic collapse, the Chemainus mural project has delighted and inspired millions of visitors and ultimately became the blueprint for community mural projects globally.

The restoration is paid for in part with funds from a Community Gaming Grant dispensed by the Gaming and Policy Enforcement Branch, BC Ministry of Finance.