Splash of colour saves Chemainus: Day among murals

It's not the murals of Chemainus that immediately cross the minds of sailors when they tie up at the famous town's friendly marina. Nope. It's the hot showers and modern restrooms.

After sailing for a few days on Evita it was apparent our first consideration was not a map featuring yellow footprints to the three dozen works of art that saved this mill town of 4,000 after 700 people lost their jobs in 1983.

First priority was to reach into our pockets for some cold loonies, grab a lump of soap and a dry towel, and head to the marina office for glorious moments of cleansing before our basic needs turned to finding the grocery store and asking for the whereabouts of the government liquor outlet.

With our basic needs satisfied and Kyan II safely moored behind us, we were ready for a party. Evita's galley  was warm with the comforting scents of pasta and meat, and Kyan II's table next door was set for six.

Other boaters greeted us. One asked for Evita's main battery to boost his powerless craft.  We even had time for my wife, Kathleen, to record a wine-tasting video from Evita's cockpit for www.betweenthevines.ca.

 

It was not until the next morning we seriously observed the fantastic murals, all documented in a special Chemainus website identifying the artist and the meaning behind the work.

Water Wheel Park, above, is a restful place to meet friends and get some exercise.

When Chemainus' mill closed down after operating for 120 years, it was businessman Karl Schutz who thought of the idea of painting history on the walls of local buildings.

Art created on the walls of Chemainus depict real people and life in the early years of the community.

Chemainus Festival of Murals Society oversees and preserves the colourful art.

After stopping and looking at the murals, and staying out of the way of fellow photographers, our group shopped and found some interesting ceramics and fabrics.  My purchases included the community newspaper and a 649 lottery ticket.

 Murals here are world famous and attract many thousands of tourists each year.

 Wood carvings also attract a lot of attention. This bear just loves honey.

Chemainus was at one time home to the largest covered sawmill in North America.  Forestry was important to the community, and when the industry waned, the mill and its workers suffered.

When it was time for our crew to sail back to Vancouver, we said our goodbyes to this little town, promising to return one day.  We motored past the vibrant paper mill town of Crofton with its white plumes and tall stacks, hoping its major industry a healthy future.

Thanks for the memories, Chemainus.

Cheers.

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Susan]

Thanks for this great reminder of Chemainus. I was a reporter at the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle in the 90s - my first job after Langara j school! I talked with Karl Schutz about his mural project & how it brought the tourism industry to this logging town.

[Donna]

Love this Blog! Keep up the good work - you're a great writer!