Out of the Box Murals 2026
Out of the Box is a public art project that transforms 8 ft x 4 ft plywood boards into vibrant murals created by regional artists! Artists submitted proposals to a panel of adjudicators, who selected the successful applicants and gave them the opportunity to bring their creative visions to life. The result is a dynamic collection of large-scale artworks that celebrate creativity, community, and the talent of artists in our region.
Heart of the Woods | Alexandra Kozak
Heart of the Woods celebrates the quiet interconnectedness of our local community and the natural world. At its centre, a heart-shaped pool brings woodland creatures together in a shared moment of peace, reflecting the balance that helps us all thrive. The mural invites us to consider our own connections, to each other and to the environment. Heart of the Woods is a celebration of belonging and a reminder that community can be found when we gather around what sustains us.
The Spruce Moose | Erich Stoffels
The Spruce Moose depicts a moose among spruce trees beside a lake at the bottom of a mountain. Erich was inspired by the natural surroundings for this piece and by one of his favourite animals, the moose, large and majestic like the dramatic backdrop of the painting. The Spruce Moose features strong contrasting colours that give the mural a vivid appearance in its new home.
Zoom in, Slow Down| Jessica Semenoff
Zoom in, Slow Down is a nod to the Jessica’s 2024 Out of the Box piece, Inhale Exhale. It invites viewers to take a closer look at the intricate beauty of local wild lupine flowers and the Northern Crescent butterfly. Rich in detail and colour, the completed mural expands on the original concept, bringing the butterfly and lupines to life in a vibrant celebration of the natural world.
Noise Pollution | Kevin Frank
Noise Pollution brings together recurring characters that reflect Kevin’s experiences and evolving understanding of mental health. Influenced by street culture and graffiti, the dense and energetic composition centres around a central figure, exploring the relationship between individual vulnerability and the wider community. Created with acrylic and spray paint, the mural invites viewers to consider mental health as something shaped by both our internal worlds and the environments and communities around us.
Three Sister Sunrise | Megan Henderson
Three Sister Sunrise is inspired by a plein air sketch of the Three Sisters, viewed from the top of Mount Fernie. The patchwork composition brings together elements of the landscape that hold personal memories, including the Lizard Range, huckleberries, a fir tree, ferns, and wildflowers. Together, these details celebrate the beauty of Fernie’s surrounding terrain and the meaningful moments found while exploring it.
Polar Peak at Midnight | Rozzy Hibbard
Polar Peak at Midnight depicts a mother and baby polar bear resting together on an ice shelf beneath dancing northern lights. Inspired by the exhaustion and beauty of caring for a little one, the mural captures the tenderness found within the journey of parenthood. Its whimsical style, bright colours, and playful connection to Polar Peak bring joy to viewers of all ages while complementing the snowy surroundings of Fernie Alpine Resort.
Stay Gold | Sabrina Curtis
Stay Gold is inspired by the stunning view of the Lizard Range and valley from the Goldilocks Trail near Island Lake Lodge. Based on a plein air painting created during a 2023 visit, the mural captures the vibrant landscape and yellow arnica that surrounded the trail. The work celebrates the trail’s history, the vision of the women who built it, and the endurance and perseverance symbolized by arnica.
Flight at First Sight | Summer Breeze
Flight at First Sight feature a Black-capped Chickadee in flight. Behind the Chickadee, a swirling, energetic sky adds movement to the composition, with vibrant blues and complementary colours creating a lively winter scene. The mural celebrates the beauty and energy of local wildlife and the natural landscape.
Fly with Pride | Fernie Pride Society
Fly with Pride was created on behalf of the Fernie Pride Society by Pruthvi Harshan. this mural features a joyful array of rainbow-coloured balloons celebrating Pride and the diversity of the community. The balloons symbolize the joy, individuality, and connection that come from embracing our differences. Designed to be interactive, the mural invites viewers to pose alongside the balloons, creating playful photo opportunities and encouraging everyone to celebrate and share in the spirit of Pride.
Community Murals
The Out of the Box project also featured community workshops for artists and art lovers of all ages, led by experienced public art instructors. These workshops gave participants the opportunity to get creative, experiment with new techniques, and contribute their own ideas to the project. We’re so excited to display the colourful results alongside the juried artist murals!
