Color, Community, and Pride Transform Past Pawn Shop Into a Living Canvas

A celebration of Edmonton Mural Festivals' commitment to mentorship, creativity, and diversity.

SouthBark has taken a noticeable bite out of Whyte Avenue! The project was led by the Edmonton Mural Festival, and was completed on a vacant building, the former nightlife destination of Club 82 and Bar Wild.

The collective of artists reimagined the building through public art, accomplishing a 360 degree mural installation. Twelve artists tackled the monumental goal during some of Edmonton's most wild weather in the summer of 2026. A new cultural landmark emerged, which energized Whyte Ave through the work of both emerging and established artists.

SouthBark demonstrates how neglected urban spaces can be transformed into places that inspire conversation, connection, and creativity. Thousands of Edmontonians and visitors walk along Whyte Avenue every day, rather than featuring a single mural, the entire building became a collaborative canvas. 

KAI0

Led by an emerging LGBTQ2+ curator, the mural was developed through an open artist call inviting emerging and eager new LGBTQ2+ artists to apply. Accomplished curators, David Camisa, Cry Wolf, and Marcus Coldeway, selected the talented team to execute the transformation of the east side of the building through a collaborative mural mosaic. 

Every artist was crucial to the impact and scale of the project.

Emerging Artists

• Lidia Chacinski

• Madelynn Imes

• Anj Wedman

• James Greenaway

• Kai0

• Nick Padlecki

Established Artists

• Andrea Schmidt

• Ryan Weisser

• BEKAY

• David Camisa

• Cry Wolf

• Marcus Coldeway

Mentors were instrumental to the growth of emerging artists.

One artist shared that the project helped quiet feelings of imposter syndrome, inspiring them to pursue new opportunities with greater confidence. Guided by the encouragement and teachings of their mentors, they left SouthBark ready to keep creating work that challenges them, speaks to them, and pushes them toward the next stage of their artistic journey.

Bekay Ryan Weisser Madelynn Imes

"I came into this a shy wee one, I left having a family that I am so proud to have. It's true what they say, family isn't always blood. It's the people that built you up. Whyte ave is my stomping grounds. Having grown up an individual in the alt community, it was one of the places in Edmonton that your soul felt accepted. Now even so much more. " - Lidia Chacinski

"To leave my mark on a space that held so many memories was a reminder of how far I’ve come since then. Reminiscent of times passed… nostalgic… and excited for many years to come. Being around that wide range of experience between each artist always gives a different kind of fuel to the creative fire to perform and create a piece I can be proud of for all to enjoy. " - James Greenaway

Work Featured Below

James Greenaway

Created by the community, for the community, SouthBark is a lasting celebration of Queer visibility.

At the heart of the project is the commitment to supporting LGBTQ2+ artists by providing dedicated space within Edmonton's public art scene. By creating this opportunity, the project becomes both a celebration of Edmonton's diverse community and a public statement of inclusion. The transformation reflects the goals of the city, and Edmonton Mural Festival’s ongoing commitment to uplift artists and offer opportunities for visibility, accessible public art, and mentorship opportunities. 

The mentorships and collaborative nature of SouthBark left a lasting impact on the artists involved. Emerging artist Lidia Chacinski shared that the experience exceeded every expectation, filling them with a sense of belonging through new friendships with fellow artists and the overwhelming support of the community.

“A dream come true. I hope my piece gives hope to so many parts of whyte. The queer community, the theater and arts community, the ones that make whyte colorful and beautiful. " - Lidia Chacinski

Work Featured to the left

"It means alot to me, its something I've always wanted to do. And its something I hope I get to do more often. I really enjoy using spraypaint as a medium. Growing up as a misfit skater kid, I always appreciated street art & graffiti art. So to be able to have the honor of putting my art on the side of a building is just too cool." - Nick Padlecki

Work featured to the right

“The SouthBARK Art Jam was about more than painting walls. It was about creating space for emerging and established artists to work side by side, share knowledge, and transform a landmark in the heart of Old Strathcona together. The festival and I firmly believe that when you invest in artists, you don't just create murals; you build a stronger community. This project helped create relationships and mentorship that will far outlast the paint." - Coldeway, EMF Creative Director and Curator

Anj Wedman David Camisa

The SouthBark Art Jam Mural Project began to be painted live during the Whyte Avenue Art Walk, allowing the public to witness the transformation in real time. Visitors watched as artists worked side by side, creating an evolving public artwork that celebrated collaboration, creativity, and community.

Andrea Schmidt Cry Wolf

The SouthBARK Art Jam Mural Project is more than a beautification initiative, it is an investment in artists, mentorship, community, and inclusive public spaces. By transforming an overlooked building into a vibrant landmark, the project celebrates the creativity and diversity that define Edmonton. It creates a place where people can explore, connect, and experience art in their everyday lives, proving that when communities invest in creativity, they create spaces that are more welcoming, more vibrant, and more reflective of the people who call them home.

To learn more about EMF visit: https://www.edmontonmuralfest.com