A mosaic mural, created with the help of local youth, will be placed inside Petrolia's historic downtown building to celebrate the town's 150th anniversary.
Director of Parks, Marketing, Arts and Communications Laurissa Ellsworth said they're hoping to involve as many children and youth (up to the age of 18) as possible to paint a small image of something that reminds them of Petrolia.
"The goal is, effectively a [four-feet by eight-feet] mural on the side of the Victoria Playhouse Rehearsal Hall, or Friendship Hall, which is beside Victoria Hall, facing the entrance of the municipal office and theatre building," said Ellsworth.
On Saturdays from April 6 to September 7, between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., children and youth can drop by The ArtZ Den, located at 4207 Petrolia Line, to paint their designs on a 3.5-inch square. Preregistration is not required and supplies will be provided (while they last).
Several photos of Petrolia including parks, playgrounds, streetscapes, and events will be available for the young painters to reference.
Ellsworth said the project focuses on youth involvement as they can sometimes be "overlooked" when it comes to event planning.
"It's really hard to reach that demographic with the same things that adults like. We can put a band in the park or we can have a shopping event but getting young people together to feel like they're contributing in a meaningful way is important," she said. "Also, because we felt like it would be a really neat thing for them to look at for the next 20 years and be able to say, 'hey, this is my piece of art right here on this wall,' where 40,000 to 50,000 people a year see it."
The plan is to begin assembling the mural in September with an official unveiling to take place in October.
A glaze will be applied to preserve the mural. Ellsworth said if the glaze is reapplied as required, the art project could last for 20 to 25 years.
The Petrolia 150 Committee said the mural project is being held in partnership with The ArtZ Den and Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist Club.