(Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds)

By Dylana Milobar

PUBLIC ART

Paramount Theatre painting marks 31 murals decorating downtown Kamloops

Aug 9, 2019 | 5:13 PM

KAMLOOPS — Within three days, the latest public art addition in Kamloops has already begun to give downtown a fresh look.

Coming from the mind of 31-year-old local artist, Zach Abney, the creation is part of revamping the old Paramount Theatre building — now run by the Kamloops Film Society.

“It (the mural) was supposed to be people remembering scenes from films that were shown by the Kamloops Film Society,” explains Abney. “So that’s sort of where that double exposure sort of thing comes in, where it fades in from a portrait up into a scene from a film.”

Kamloops Film Society Executive Director Dusan Magdolen says the mural highlights some of the history of the old building, featuring movies important to the theatre itself, as well as the Society.

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“You know, that building hasn’t been given a lot of love in a while, so for us it’s just nice to get a new paint job on the outside, and have people know, hey we’re here, we’re vibrant, we’re trying to make a go of this thing.”

Abney’s mural adds to the 30 other art pieces weaving throughout downtown Kamloops — including some interactive murals which change seasonally or for community events that occur.

Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association Executive Director Carl DeSantis says the undertaking is meant to beautify back alleys, deter graffiti, and improve public safety.

“We require support from the building owner, the tenant, the City, the arts commission, and then of course identifying an artist who is able to create what the tenant envisions on their wall,” DeSantis says. “This has repurposed them, and has created a destination for tourists, for locals- we very often see scavenger hunts down here trying to find different murals.”

Downtown’s CAP Team even provides tours through the maze of art. CAP Team Supervisor Jake Andrykew says it’s a popular walking feature.

“When we tell people that this is an option they’re often very surprised. And there are some murals that are extremely vibrant, some are a bit more toned down, just the variety we have in terms of artistic styles is incredible. It makes a great gallery.”

Andrykew says the unique display gives Kamloops another out-of-the-box attraction for long-time residents, and tourists alike.

“It’s not something people think about. You don’t walk through the downtown of Vancouver thinking, ‘I’m going to walk through that alley and see if there is some cool art there’.”

Back alley artwork won’t stop there either — with plans to have more murals added over the rest of the summer.