Pembroke Heritage Murals

Austrian born, he studied art in Toronto and spent a number of years in illustrating and production positions before undertaking freelance assignments and opening his own studio. He has produced many commercial and advertising projects and designed greeting cards, books, and magazines. Bell is noted for Canada's largest mixed-subject mural, in Creston, British Columbia. He resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Craig, a resident of Perth, Ontario, is internationally known for his realistic paintings of Canada, especially for a series of paintings of Ontario railroad stations and steam engines. In fact, his first job after graduating from high school was as an office boy for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Campbell has won 22 artistic merit awards over the years. His paintings are in great demand by galleries, corporations, and private collectors.

John was born in Renfrew, Ontario but moved away at a young age because of his father's military career. He returned to this area for high school. John attended Sheridan College in Oakville and graduated from a commercial arts course at Assinaboine College in Manitoba. A multimedia artist, John has produced many award-winning products. He is now co-owner of Little John's Custom Painting in Garson, Ontario.

Shauna is a professional artist who creates oil paintings, indoor/outdoor murals, and handmade, hand-painted shoes. She studied Fine Art at the University of Guelph where she obtained a BA honours degree in Studio Art. She also studied make-up effects at Complections College of Make-up Art and Design in Toronto, graduating first in class. Her work has been exhibited in various shops and shows including the annual Canadian Portrait Competition hosted by the Portrait Society of Canada where she received a certificate of merit in 2012 for outstanding achievement in fine art portraiture in Canada. Shauna also exhibits at the Christmas and Spring One of a Kind Shows in Toronto, Canada. Find out more at torart.ca.

They journeyed from Canada’s upper and lower domains
to carve a settlement out of the wild
Amidst the magnificent virgin pines
whittling a homestead for each man, woman and child
The pioneers heeded the challenge of the Crown
testing the might of Mother Nature’s force and power
Lured by seductive grants from upon high
to a land not so gentle to those who cower
The Irish, the Scottish and English settlers
labored side by side with those of French descent
From early dawn to evening’s fading light
returning to their homes, often tired and over spent
Toiling on the allotted acreage
they brought in crops though shackled by their chains
Forever fighting the hardness of the land
they labored through a life that quickly drains
Through the wicked winter winds
they sought shelter in the sanctity of hearth and home
Struggling through the four seasons of despair
growing old, no longer any desire to roam
Fueled by a passion and a love for the land
they chopped and cropped for their daily bread
Their legacy is eternally etched on Champlain’s walls
forever remembered for the courageous life they led.

Tribute to “The Pioneers of Pembroke Township 1820-1850” mural

Faces leap before our eyes,
profiles from our storied past
on the great wall of Pembroke
a rich historical repast.

The wall that unites generations
exposing much more than it hides
possessing a brighter outlook
than a wall that encloses or divides.

A sparkling jewel in the mural crown
exploding like a giant fireworks display
lighting the path to progress
from decades past to present day.

A timeless artistic treasure
as hardy as those who pioneered
an impenetrable barrier to pessimism
a tribute to all who persevered.

A collage of citizens from all walks of life
now marching together as one
into the millennium with hope and optimism
into the future with aplomb.

Painted murals portrayed on brick
recall the essence of our lives
History captured on coloured walls
ensures our past and present thrives.

Muralists come from far and near
to rekindle history at dawn's first light
They toil under watchful eye on scaffolds high
labouring often into night.

Hockey legends stand tall and gaunt
imaged clear on giant-sized tigerish walls
Side by side with other regal landmarks
overlooking market stalls.

Uniformed members of our Forces
face a legion of admirers from the past
Colours blend in myriad splendour
a window on the best at last.

Swallows sketched on stationary walls
point towards a surplus of water white and clear
Settlers followed in the steps of Champlain
and farmed the land with hope and fear.

Curious pilgrims pause to view
the saintly lady adorned in grey
Immaculately conceived through skilful artistry
in stately holy church-like way.

Fond and hardy memories are recalled
of ice and bread delivered door-to-door
In rain and sleet and broiling sun
on streets first lighted then and now forevermore.

The hardy lumber men of yesteryear
who earned their pay with sweat and brawn
ventured into God's green forests
to begin their toil at the break of dawn

They bid adieu to friends and family
when the leaves dropped slowly to the ground
and headed to the logging camps
for a winter's work they were bound

They cut and hacked at nature's beauty
as the tall, tall pines came tumbling down
and ate their beans and bread in the shanty camps
no time to sit and fret or frown

Then came the glorious spring of man's awakening
when the logs were ready for the drive
stacked and squared for the rafter's ride
down the mighty river they dip and dive

The minstrels celebrate their life in song
and writers tell of their tall tales
on the timber rafts on the swollen river
for the big spring drive they set their sails