Public Art in Port Alberni, introduction and overview

There is, according to local legend, a mural project in Port Alberni.  (Here is one "origin" story.)  There are, indeed, various pieces of public art around the town.  However, it's hard to find a plan or directions to the art.  Nor are all of the murals, murals.  There are a number of murals, but there also are a number of pieces of art that are considered part of the project, that are not murals.  And a number of the murals are not particularly mural-like.  So, it might be more accurate to say that there is a good deal of public art in Port Alberni.  So, this is an attempt to document this art, and direct you to it.

I've documented much of it in three parts already, part one (which you might, actually, want to look at last), part two, and part three.  This posting might be considered part zero, as it doesn't have a lot of content, but is a lead off, and directions/links to the other parts.

I've got some maps to help you.

The other parts, linked above, have more local maps.  But Google maps has a limit on how many points you can link together in a set of directions, so this map may not give you a lot of help.  I'm working on a more specific map, but I'm having to learn how to do it, while I'm doing it, so it's not finished yet.

Anyway, we might as well start off at the Visitor's Information Centre (and Chamber of Commerce).  This is the first thing you will see as you come into town on Highway 4, where Highway 4 splits into Highway 4/Alberni highway/Johnston Road (veering right) (heading for Tofino) (yeah, I know: you were heading for Tofino anyway), and Highway 4a/Port Alberni Highway (just to ensure that highway naming conventions are as confusing as possible) (veering left) (heading for Bamfield).

You'll have to pull into the parking lot for the Visitor's Centre.  The first thing you'll see is the bears

(which you may also find useful as a bench).  But take a look at the doors, as well, which are worth it.

You may have to look a bit for the totem pole, as it is a bit out of the way.

It might take some looking, but there is an orca buried in the trees

Heading down Johnston Road (Highway 4, you will remember), you may have to watch closely for Bentwood Square and Mecca Tea.  Actually, the first thing you might see is the Stump Monster

but make sure you look around for the small murals in the parking lot.

Not exactly sure what this place is, but it's got some interesting pieces

Continuing down Johnston Road, keep an eye out to the right after you have passed the big box stores, and note the trompe l'oeil mural at Johnston and Bishop.

Keep watching as you proceed down Johnston, this time to the left, and you'll probably have to turn left on Tebo to find the mural on the side of Urgel's Auto Collision.

Continuing down Johnston, at Ian, you'll notice the first of the garbage cans.

(We'll come to more of them later.)

If you are taking the Great Spiral Route, next you probably want Victoria Quay.