Celebrate Hamilton’s newest work of Public Art “Gateway” mural on James Street South

HAMILTON, ON – The public is invited to join artists Vivian Rosas and Vesna Asanovic, and city representatives, to celebrate the installation of the city’s newest work of public art; “Gateway” mural on James St. S.

The celebration will take place on the first day of Supercrawl, Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 12 pm. Remarks will occur above the mural on James St. S. outside of the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts, located at 126 James St. S. A reception will follow inside the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts.

The dynamic, brightly-coloured art work features a seamless tapestry of vignettes depicting the daily activities of an urban and nature-rich Hamilton. The 120-foot-long mural is printed on aluminum composite panels attached to the concrete retaining wall along the west side of James St. S. south of the TH&B Railway Bridge tunnel. “Gateway” creates a sense of arrival to the city and brightens the concrete structure of the bridge and its dark tunnel. The jury noted that, “the energy and content of the proposal successfully reflected a changing and revitalizing multicultural neighbourhood, as well as its natural character.”

Rosas and Asanovic’s proposal was selected by a volunteer citizen jury from 31 submissions through the City of Hamilton public art process. The jury based its selection on the proposal’s response to the competition themes, appropriateness for the site, artistic excellence, technical feasibility and comments from over 500 members of the public.

Vesna Asanovic and Vivian Rosas were born and raised in Hamilton. Their art and design practices are currently based in Toronto and include editorial illustration, animation, screen printing and murals. 

The artists were awarded $4,000 for providing the digital file; the City of Hamilton was responsible for the fabrication and installation of the work.

Additional Resources:

• The City defines public art as art created by artists, or in collaboration with artists, through a public process and existing on publicly owned and accessible property.
• Public art helps strengthen the city’s visual identity, stimulates the economy, and enhances tourism and community pride.
• Since 2010, the City’s public art program has received over 200 artist proposals, consulted with over 6,250 members of the public and awarded 18 public art commissions.
• High resolution images of the art work can be obtained by contacting Jen Anisef at [email protected] or at 905-546-2424 ext. 7612.

For more information, visit www.hamilton.ca/publicart, email [email protected], or call 905-546-2424 ext. 6281.