(Image Credit: Jeremy Russo / CFJC Today)
Calling Local Artists!

Artists sought to transform BC Wildlife Park’s maze into outdoor art gallery

Aug 27, 2026 | 6:10 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Wildlife Express has long taken passengers around the BC Wildlife Park. Now, the volunteers behind the train are putting a new community project on track, revitalizing the park’s aging maze and turning its walls into art.

“The Wildlife Express Volunteer Society are the people who run the Wildlife Express train in the Wildlife Park,” volunteer Patty Klohn said. “[We] took on the job of refurbishing this maze and getting it structurally sound again. Then we thought that it would be wonderful to have it painted with community artwork.”

The finished display will feature 22 four by eight foot panels.

The theme? Wide open!

“Wildlife, natural history, indigenous perspectives, local history, the wildlife park, animals themselves. The theme is is wide open,” added Klohn.

Students from Westsyde Secondary have already put the project into motion, completing the first three panels. That leaves 19 blank canvases, with organizers say you don’t need an art degree to fill one.

“Professional artistic experience is not required. This is a project that can be open to anybody who can hold a paintbrush,” Klohn said, emphasizing that the project is truly open for anyone willing.

Individuals can take part alone or team up with friends, schools, clubs or community groups, and the society will provide the paint and supplies. Participants are required to submit a sketch for approval.

Ultimately, each panel will include a plaque bearing the artists names, immortalizing their contributions in the park’s history.

“We’re just wanting to see what people can produce and see what what creative ideas they come up with, that will eventually create an art gallery that represents Kamloops and the area around Kamloops,” added Klohn.

The society hopes to have the entire maze completed by next August, when the Wildlife Express Volunteer Society celebrates its 50th anniversary.