About The Chemainus Festival of Murals Society
about
Celebrating Art, History, and Community in Chemainus, “The Little Town That Did™”
Chemainus, on the scenic east coast of Vancouver Island, is home to one of the world’s most inspiring outdoor art galleries — more than 70 murals and several sculptures that tell the story of the town’s people, industries, and spirit.
Behind this transformation stands the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and expanding this living legacy of public art.
The Story: From Mill Town to Mural Town
In the early 1980s, when Chemainus faced the closure of its major sawmill, the community chose creativity over despair. Local visionaries, artists, and volunteers turned walls into canvases and history into art. The result? A cultural rebirth that gained international attention and inspired small towns everywhere.
Established in January 1987, after six years as a project of the Municipality of North Cowichan, the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society was formed to guide and sustain this remarkable initiative.
Today, the Society continues to manage every aspect of the mural program — from commissioning new works to maintaining existing ones — ensuring that Chemainus remains a beacon of community-driven art and renewal.
Meet The Chemainus Festival of Murals Society Board
The Chemainus Festival of Murals Society is a registered, volunteer-led non-profit governed by an elected Board of Directors. Each mural is copyrighted by the Municipality of North Cowichan, with the Society acting on behalf of the artists, the Municipality, and the community. Our work is sustained through souvenir sales, grants, sponsorships, and generous community donations, along with the tireless efforts of our volunteers.
Our mission is simple but powerful:
To manage, preserve, and grow the Chemainus Mural Project — protecting the art, supporting the artists, and sharing Chemainus’ story with the world.
Tom Andrews
President
Shannon Bellamy
Vice President
Doreen Zielke
Treasurer
Art Carlyle
Director
Peter Collum
Director
Betty Short
Director
Chris Istace
Municipality of North Cowichan representative
Trisha Oldfield
Mural Specialist
“The Little Town That Did™” was built by people who cared — and still do.
Volunteers: The Heart of Chemainus
From the first paintbrush strokes in 1982 to today’s mural restorations and visitor programs, volunteers have been at the core of everything we do.
They share stories with visitors, help at events, organize fundraisers, and support mural maintenance year-round. Without them, there would be no mural project — and no mural town.
Their dedication was officially recognized by the Government of British Columbia in 1989, a proud acknowledgment of community spirit at its finest.
The Chemainus Festival of Murals Society extends heartfelt thanks to all volunteers, past and present, who have helped make Chemainus a shining example of what community art can achieve.
Community Support and Partnerships
Chemainus’ success story is also one of collaboration and generosity.
Over the decades, countless local businesses, corporate sponsors, and private donors have contributed their time, materials, and financial support to keep this dream alive.
From craftsmen who donated supplies, to companies that helped fund restorations, to individuals who offered hands-on help — every contribution has painted a piece of the larger picture.
The murals themselves, adorning shops, galleries, and cafés, stand as a testament to this unity and creativity.
They’re not just art — they’re the heartbeat of a town that came together to reinvent itself.
Our murals stand on shared generosity.
Chemainus heroes
Behind every mural stands a network of artists, current and past 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.