VMF2021 Neighbourhood: Marpole
Marpole is one of Vancouver’s more hidden gems. Unbeknownst to most, Marpole is one of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhoods possessing a rich historical past. Located in southwest Vancouver, Marpole was originally home to the Musqueam First Nations people. The Musqueam Midden cairn at Marpole Park (73rd and Cartier) represents recognition of the discovery of a massive midden site - c̓əsnaʔəm - that contains the remains of a Coast Salish winter village as well as shellfish remains and various artifacts from early inhabitants of the site, dating from 1500 to 2900 years ago. The site was deemed a National Historic Site over 80 years ago and is now under the protection of the Musqueam people.
This year, Marpole has its very own pop-up plaza located on West 67th Avenue on the east side of Granville. It’s a great spot to sit outside and soak up the sun while enjoying a coffee after indulging at one of the many delicious restaurants along Granville street. While you’re in Marpole, be sure to find some of the beautiful murals from last year’s festival! Vanessa’s Taylor’s eye-catching mural “Birdhouse” can be found at 8155 Granville Street. Another instagram favourite is Jocelyn Wong’s “Love All Your Neighbours” mural, at 8337 Granville Street.
Kyla Yin James and Chrystal Sparrow, this year’s Marpole artists, are placing a focus on coastal nature throughout their respective murals. James’ Be Like Water is meant to celebrate the joy of being fully present and appreciative of our surroundings, finding magic in our everyday lives. “In this mural, humans, nature, and spirituality exist in harmony,” notes James; “The Marpole neighborhood, being close to the Fraser river, is an area with great biodiversity. Certain elements of nature, such as fish, often take on different symbolic meanings to different cultures.” For her mural, James looks to her own cultural background for symbolic ties. “In Chinese culture, fish represent abundance. In Mandarin ‘fish’ and ‘luck’ sound the same but have different meanings. Here, the person riding the fish finds happiness through the journey itself, as they move through the water.”
For her mural, Chrystal Sparrow chose to depict a tale with enthralling ancestral ties. The Coast Salish mermaid, Sparrow’s painted protagonist, is said to have taken someone deep below the Salish Sea. Sparrow has playfully warned of mysterious and maleficent accounts of the mermaid, told by the artist's family - a long line of west coast fishermen. Sparrow's grandfather, in particular, recalls his experience of being greeted by the unfriendly creature at his boat. The Coast Salish Mermaid signifies the beauty and mystics of creatures and wonders of the Salish Sea.
ENTER TO WIN THE MARPOLE PRIZE GIVEAWAY:
Discover Vancouver’s diverse neighbourhoods while having a chance to win some incredible prizes! This summer, participating neighbourhoods are generously providing gift packs curated from local businesses in their area. Download the VMF App and use the interactive map to help you find this year’s new murals and more across Vancouver!
Enter to WIN the Marpole prize giveaway that includes dinner for two at Shu Omake Sushi Bar and $100 to Armadillo Boutique with the instructions below:
Post a photo of a mural from Marpole
Tag @marpolevillage @vanmuralfest in the photo and/or caption
Make sure to use #vmfmarpole and #vanmuralfest
Every carousel post equals another entry!
Winners for the neighbourhood giveaways will be chosen by August 25th.
Read the Terms and Conditions here.
MEET THE MARPOLE MURAL ARTISTS:
