A new, interactive mural was added to Collingwood’s Art Alley earlier this month.
The mural, called JUMP!, was unveiled on Canada Day. The interactive installation depicts the popular jump-off spot on the pier behind the Collingwood Terminals, and was imagined by Collingwood artist Deb Baillie.
A platform was also constructed below the mural so passersby can take photos of themselves jumping in front of it and create the illusion of jumping off the pier.
Baillie created the 12-foot-by-12-foot piece over 26 days in five pieces. She was chosen from 20 applicants to create the mural.
“I am really excited to see how many people will post pictures,” she said. “I’m so proud to have been chosen.”
While Baillie moved to Collingwood full-time six years ago, she has fond memories of coming to town in the summers as a child, which partially inspired some of her choices for the mural.
“Swimming in Georgian Bay is something I’ve been doing since I was very little. When Georgian Bay is in your heart, it never leaves,” she said.
“This painting is like a gift to my town, but also a gift to all the people who come visit,” said Baillie.
Before applying, Baillie did extensive research into interactive murals to propose something that would be truly unique.
“There are a lot of them out there, and a lot of them are the same,” said Baillie. “I wanted to do something that was really different and something that spoke to our community, Georgian Bay, and what it feels like to live here.”
“I’m always drawn to the water,” she said.
The Collingwood Art Alley was initiated by Cassie MacKell, co-owner of Low Down Bar, who commissioned the first mural in the alley – called The Butterfly – painted by artist Shandelle McCurdie. A third mural by artist Jason Alexander is currently in progress.
Collingwood Art Alley is located in Creative Simcoe Street between Low Down Bar and Alexander Art School and Art Supplies at 77 Simcoe Street.
