The Chemainus Festival of Murals Society manages the mural program for the Municipality of North Cowichan. Mural creation is a multifaceted process. It begins with an idea developed by the society or by a member of the public. Sometimes a building owner approaches the mural society with an idea. Photographs, historical information, and other materials are gathered and researched. The next step is often to scout locations and choose the preferred one, once the owner is on board. The society appreciates the generous cooperation of so many Chemainus building owners. We couldn’t do the work without them!

Artists respond to our request for proposals, which go to the society’s Steering Committee, which makes recommendations to the Board of Directors, which makes the final decision. Last-minute details about the mural are discussed with the artist. As part of their contract with the society, the artist then paints a maquette, an artwork that depicts the final mural in miniature. These maquettes eventually end up on loan to the Chemainus Valley Museum. The cost of the mural is usually funded primarily by the society, but sometimes building owners, businesses or individuals provide some or all of the funding, or contribute in other ways.

Originally, the wall was usually prepared for the mural to be painted on directly, but these days, if the wall is problematic, the work can also be painted on marine plywood and installed. When the work is completed, the artist’s name and date are added and the society celebrates the new addition by describing and promoting it in the media and on its website and waits for the appropriate time and circumstances for the official dedication of the mural.