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Martin Avenue Mosaics

Home > Our community > Arts, culture & heritage > Public art > Public art collection listing > Martin Avenue Mosaics
At the rear of the Martin Avenue Community Centre, 1434 Graham Street
Artist: 
Holliby Ross
Year: 
2007
Collection: 
City of Kelowna Public Art Program

The Work

The Martin Avenue Mosaics project is comprised of 3 artist-designed concrete benches, decorated with approximately 200 tiles painted by neighbourhood residents. Many of the tiles bear either a name or a self-portrait, making them a friendly tribute to the community surrounding the Park. The tiles are laid in a row, representing the shared values of a community. Accompanying each of the benches is an Emerald Queen Maple tree.

The Project

The North End Residents' Association was successful in obtaining a grant of $2,500 from the Community Public Art Program for this project.

One of the most important aspects of the project was community involvement. Members of the public, especially those from the North End community, were invited to participate. The painting was done in a series of one-hour weekend sessions under the guidance of community artists and volunteers and project artist Holliby Ross.

The sessions were documented by video and journaling to capture the collaborative and community-building creative process. The tiles were painted by people of all backgrounds and ages with many of the participants having never been involved in art-making. Cash and in-kind donations were provided by local businesses.

The project was dedicated in November 2007, with Mayor Sharon Shepherd and about 75 project supporters and neighbourhood residents in attendance. The event featured speakers, a video by Holliby Ross, a ribbon cutting, and refreshments--including a cake decorated with an image in icing of the concept drawings by Holliby Ross.

The Artist

Holliby Ross obtained a BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design in 2000 and relocated to Kelowna in 2001. She has been an active member of Kelowna's art community as an artist and volunteer, including serving as a Board member of the Alternator Gallery for Contemporary Art. In 2004, she initiated the gallery's key fundraiser, the annual Wearable Art Gala and has continued to organize and participate in the show. She has participated in solo and group exhibitions in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and British Columbia. She is interested in a variety of expression, including fashion, film, graphic design and sculptural installations.