News release
For immediate release 

Artist Jesse Campbell has been selected to paint a mural at Layritz Park, adjacent to the turf soccer field.

Saanich, BC – The third and final mural as part of the District of Saanich’s Community Canvas Mural Project is now underway. Local artist Jesse Campbell was selected to design and install a mural at Layritz Park. Artist Chazz Elliott from Tsartlip First Nation will also be contributing to the design.

“I lived in Saanich for many years and always thought that there was an opportunity for more public art,” said Jesse Campbell. “That’s why when I saw the call for artists as part of this program, I jumped at the chance.”

The mural painting began today and will be completed in mid-October, subject to weather or any other unexpected delays.

Jesse is of Michif (Métis), Salteaux, Cree, Scottish, and English ancestry and has been a professional mural artist since 2010. He has created many public art pieces throughout Greater Victoria and beyond. Most recently, he completed a mural of a Metis matriarch, Valarie Campbell, for the BUMP Festival in Calgary.

In addition to his mural practice, Jesse spends time mentoring youth on the craft of mural painting and understanding the diverse forms of Indigenous art across North America. Jesse hopes to continue passing on these teachings through his art, his collaborations, and his students.

“Becoming an artist was a career path that picked me in a way,” said Jesse Campbell. “I’ve tried many professions, but mural painting and art was always a passion of mine and I’m very happy to be able to do this full-time.”

Jesse will be completing the final of the three murals that were selected for the project. Both Claire Crawford’s mural at the entrance to Cedar Hill Recreation and Arts Centre and Sarah Jim’s mural at Beckwith Park are now ready for viewing.  

The project

This initiative is part of the Community Canvas Mural Project, which will result in the creation of three murals in Saanich parks this year. As part of the selection process, artist proposals were reviewed through a two-stage process. Artists and community members volunteered to be part of a Selection Committee which evaluated submissions and made recommendations within the application review and selection process.

While the first phase of the Community Canvas Mural Project focused on commissioning three murals, the next phase will emphasize support for community led murals.

Get involved

Come meet Jesse at Layritz Park over the coming weeks as his mural takes shape.

Learn more

Find out more about the Community Canvas Mural Project at 2022 Community Canvas Mural Project | District of Saanich..

- 30 -

Media contacts:
Nadine Kawata
Public Art Planner
nadine.kawata@saanich.ca
250-475-5494 ext. 3444