The Story of Chemainus and its Murals
story
Chemainus – The Little Town That Did™
How a small Vancouver Island town turned adversity into art and became a world-renowned outdoor art gallery.
Chemainus, tucked along the scenic east coast of Vancouver Island, wasn’t always a global art destination. Once a single-industry sawmill town, Chemainus faced economic collapse in the early 1980s — but instead of fading, it reimagined itself through creativity.
Today, more than 70 murals and sculptures bring its history to life, celebrating the people, cultures, and industries that shaped the Cowichan Valley.
This is the story of The Little Town That Did™.
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From five murals to international acclaim.
In the summer of 1982, five murals appeared on the walls of local businesses — each a vivid snapshot of Chemainus’ past. Those first paintings sparked something extraordinary. Within a year, Chemainus had won the prestigious New York Downtown Revitalization Award, and the world took notice.
By blending history with artistry, this small town of just over 4,000 residents reinvented itself. Visitors began arriving from across the globe to see the murals that told stories of loggers, settlers, Coast Salish peoples, and the sea.
The murals turned brick walls into history books and everyday streets into galleries under open skies.
Chemainus really is The Little Town That Did™ — a community that painted its way back to life.
Today, the town thrives on tourism, arts, and hospitality — but still offers the same island warmth, ice cream parlors, and afternoon tea that made it beloved decades ago.
Fun Fact: Chemainus now hosts one of the world’s largest outdoor art collections per capita.
How one book sparked a movement.
The idea behind the murals was deeply rooted in storytelling.
Much of the inspiration came from Water Over the Wheel – The Story of the Chemainus Valley and its People by local historian W.H. (Harry) Olsen.
Olsen’s book captured centuries of life in the valley — from the Coast Salish peoples who first called this land home, to the pioneers and loggers who followed. It revealed the hardship, humour, and humanity that defined Chemainus.
“It is a story well worth the telling.” – Willard E. Ireland, Provincial Archivist
Olsen’s work became more than just a chronicle — it became a catalyst. His storytelling reminded residents of their shared roots and inspired artists to put those stories on the walls for everyone to see.
The murals are, in many ways, Water Over the Wheel brought to life — transforming written history into a living gallery that continues to grow.
Turning crisis into creativity.
When Chemainus’ sawmill — the town’s major employer — shut down in 1983, the future looked bleak. Rather than waiting for outside help, community members decided to rebuild Chemainus themselves.
Led by Mayor Graham Bruce, local business owners, and residents, the town became the first in British Columbia to take part in the Downtown Revitalization Program. Among those who stepped forward was Karl Schutz, a visionary entrepreneur who believed that celebrating Chemainus’ history through art could restore both pride and prosperity.
Together with a small committee known locally as the “Group of Seven,” they transformed the downtown core — replacing shuttered storefronts with vibrant murals and welcoming public spaces.
By 1987, the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society was officially formed to preserve and manage the growing collection. The rest, as they say, is art history
Olsen’s book captured centuries of life in the valley — from the Coast Salish peoples who first called this land home, to the pioneers and loggers who followed. It revealed the hardship, humour, and humanity that defined Chemainus.
Chemainus proved that creativity can rebuild a community.
In the years that followed, Schutz received numerous honors, including recognition as one of Fifty Canadian Men of Influence (1987) and a commemorative medal from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to Canadian culture.
Today, the spirit of those early leaders lives on through the artists, volunteers, and residents who continue to champion Chemainus as a testament to what small towns can achieve when they dream big.
From idea to masterpiece — how murals are born.
Every mural in Chemainus begins with an idea — a story from the town’s past, a local legend, or a moment worth remembering.
Once a concept is proposed, the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society works with the Municipality of North Cowichan, artists, and building owners to bring it to life.
Here’s how it happens:
1.) Research & Inspiration – Historical photos and community memories guide the story.
2.) Artist Selection – Artists submit proposals reviewed by the Society’s Steering Committee.
3.) Design & Maquette – A small-scale version of the mural (the maquette) is created for approval.
4.) Painting & Installation – The art work is painted directly on walls or on marine panels.
5.) Dedication & Celebration – Each mural is officially unveiled and added to the self-guided tour.
Every new addition is a community effort — funded by the Society, donors, and supportive local businesses.
Even today, the artists’ original maquettes are displayed at the Chemainus Valley Museum, preserving the creative process behind the murals that define the town.
Want to see the full collection?
History. Art. Heart.
A Living Legacy
What began as a bold idea to save a struggling town has become a global example of community-led transformation. More than 40 years later, Chemainus continues to inspire — welcoming artists, travelers, and dreamers from around the world.
The murals are more than paint on walls. They’re stories of resilience, creativity, and the enduring belief that a small community can do big things together.
Chemainus heroes
Behind every mural stands a network of artists, sponsors, and community partners who make it possible. From local businesses and volunteers to international supporters, each plays a vital role in maintaining Chemainus as a beacon of cultural tourism.
We celebrate the sponsors and individuals who share our artistic vision and commitment to preserving the town’s legacy.
Become a Member —
Be Part of the Story
Join the community that turned history into art.
Your membership helps preserve Chemainus’ outdoor art gallery, restore murals, and support future art projects and events.
Support the Murals —
Donate Today
Keep the colours of Chemainus shining bright.
Your donation directly funds mural maintenance, artist commissions, and community art initiatives. Every gift makes a difference.