Artwork Project

During the summer of 2007 the museum reviewed the portfolios of various artists and with the help of the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation, 3 semi-finalists were commissioned to create a mural design for the museum building's east wall - facing the waterfront. 

The museum has been searching for some time for a creative way to draw attention of visitors to our part of Gibsons, as well as add colour and interst to the area of Holland Park.  A large scale work of art in the form of a mural depicting the history of the Sunshine Coast, mounted high on the museum wall, was a natural choice.

Jan Poynter's submission was chosen by the museum Selection Committee, one of which is also a member of the Town of Gibsons Public Art Advisory Committee.  We felt that her design would appeal to a wide community base, that the style of art was a first for the coast, and that it was an innovative way to portray the passage of time through familiar landmarks.

Please note that the design is purposely ambiguous in terms of exact location.  It is obviously coastal, but because we are the regional museum we strive to equally represent all areas of the Sunshine Coast. 

The completed and installed mural was officially presented to the public during George & Charlotte Gibson Day, Saturday, May 17th 2008.   The year 2008 marked the 122nd anniversary of the arrival of George Gibson to the area now known as Gibson's Landing.  The event was a huge success with around 8o people in attendance, inlcuding mural sponsors, Town of Gibsons Mayor and Council members, and descendants of prominent pioneer families.  At noon artist Jan Poynter and former SCMA Society President Barrie Stewart lowered the ceremonial ribbon, followed by live music provided by Steve K.  Visitors were treated to home-made snacks, refreshments, cake donated by SuperValu and coffee donated by Tim Hortons.  Local artist Sarama's photography exhibit "Focus on the Built Environment" was installed and will be on display until June 22nd alongside a slideshow of historic photos of early Gibsons from the museum collection. 

Stunning blakc and white prints of the mural (16" x 48") are available through the gift shop for $50.00 each.

This project would not be possible without the support of the following people, organizations and businesses - Thank you for the time, materials, space, and funding!

Town of Gibsons Public Art Advisory Committee

Barbara Corbett

Cecil and Bernice Chamberlin

Len Wray Transfer

Anthem Properties, Sunnycrest Mall

Jon Hird

Mary McAllister

Kenneth Moore

The Pattersons

                                        Penonzek Land Surveying

                                        Gibsons Sailing School

                                        Brian Christoff

                                        Sechelt Indian Band

                                        Squamish Nation

                                        Town of Gibsons - Grant in Aid

                                       Pac Blue Digital Imaging

                                       Dale Allenback - Sunco Civil Consulting Ltd.

                                       Will Cummer

                                       Paul Wilson

                                       Sandra Merriot

                                       Coralie Swaney

                                       Gibsons Marina

                                       Barrie Stewart

                                       Mike Clement

                                       Don and Geri Cadenhead

See Jan Poynter's Flickr page for more photos of the mural-making process.