Tillsonburg to welcome Canada Connects Nature’s Bounty National Mural Mosaic

Tillsonburg’s new mural was unveiled on the wall of the library on Tuesday morning. The Canada Connects Nature’s Bounty Mural Mosaic is a nationwide program to bring the country together through art. From left, Mark Renaud, executive director of Downtown Tillsonburg BIA; Tabitha Verbuyst, executive director of the Station Arts Centre; and Vanessa Fortner, events and marketing coordinator with the BIA, unveiled the mural. (Jeff Helsdon Photo).

Alex Hunt, Post Contributor

A new mural is set to brighten the Tillsonburg landscape. The Canada Connects Nature’s Bounty Mural Mosaic is a nationwide collaboration of artists that will be unveiled this fall.

In a collaboration effort with Tillsonburg Station Arts and the Tillsonburg BIA, the town was selected by Global Roots to install a mural mosaic that will showcase the artistic talents of residents of Oxford County and all across Canada.

“We’re incredibly excited to present this mural to the community,” said Tabitha Verbuyst, executive director and curator at Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre. “When we pull the tarp off, people will see a large, colorful image of an apple tree made up of beautiful tiles created by local artists.

“From a distance, it comes together as one striking image, but when you step closer, you can see all the individual artworks. It’s truly a unique experience that connects our community with artists from across Canada.”

The mural was installed on the Tillsonburg’s Oxford County Library north exterior wall, and an unveiling was held on Oct. 21 at 11 a.m.

Vanessa Fortner, events and marketing coordinator at Tillsonburg BIA, said the Oxford County Library was chosen as the location for the mural due to its central location, accessible space and ability for the community to enjoy the artwork.

Fortner added the project allows a wide range of people to participate, and its nationwide acceptance adds to its significance. With contributions from artists across Oxford County, the province, and the rest of Canada, the mural serves as both a community landmark and a tourism attraction in the downtown core.

“It gives people that connectivity. It's unique because it shows different styles and ideas of creativity and it creates this beautiful scene that comes together and it’s a very cool project,” said Verbuyst. “I hope people see that Tillsonburg is striving to delve into that community and connection, and we want to celebrate people in all their uniqueness and creativity.”

Since 2003, Mural Mosaic’s Global Roots Project has been creating large-scale mosaic artworks that celebrate unity and diversity. The project brings people together, highlighting and honoring each individual’s unique perspective. Mural Mosaic has completed installations around the world, inspiring audiences to appreciate the beauty of our differences while contributing to a single, cohesive work of art.