fbpx
DOWNTOWN ARTWORKS

Back Alley Art Gallery

Learn more about the art in downtown.The best way to explore the arts and culture in Kamloops is to simply take a stroll. We have art galleries and outdoor art installations, including an entire Back Alley Art Gallery and a variety of sculptures and statues that will greet you along your way.

**This will vary based on team availability and advance notice

#01. 520 Seymour Street (Service Canada) – Sports in the Loops (Organized Chaos)

Artist: Ken Wells (2016)
The title is “Organized chaos”, this idea drove the concept and the idea that without rules sports of all kinds would not be possible. This mural is all about movement. The spiral background entices the viewer to glance across the work. Where possible the artist borrowed the actual sports team colour but always kept in mind the overall flow of form and colour from left to right. Since Service Canada is in the building, the owner wanted to have a mural that depicted the Canadian spirit and what better than sports. The mural includes single person and team sports and represents many sports activities that occur in the Kamloops Area.

#02. 167 4th Ave. (Hampton Gallery) – Moving Art

Ken worked with the art gallery owner to create a design that suited the wall. Fun details you’ll notice are the feet of people carrying the painting and fish that have fallen out of the painting. This creates a feeling of action within the mural. This is also rumoured to signify our declining salmon stocks and the impact humans have on spawning grounds.

#03. 238 Lansdowne St. (All Aboard Games) – Dragon Storm

Artist: Alexx Moir-Porteous (2015)
This mural, painted on the back of All Aboard Games, is based on an iconic dragon from the Dungeons and Dragons universe. This creature breathes lightning and is depicted amidst the flaming wreckage of a battle with an enemy not in the frame.

#04. 355 Lansdowne St. (Red Collar Brewing) – History of Brewing

Artist: Kelly Wright (2016)
One of the three murals being completed in the 2016 season, the Red Collar History of Brewing is an ambitious look at the history of brewing throughout time and into the present. On the side of the building you will meet the goddesses of hops & barley, while on the back of the building you will meet Louis Pasteur, the man who made pasteurization and the consumption of safe beer possible. You will also see a giant barrel with the namesake of the building whose spirit lives within the beer inside.

#05. 126 4th Ave. (Central Station Pub) – Alley Oasis

Artist: Kelly Wright (2013)
The owners wanted to create this mural to go with the oasis pub in the alley. The art wraps around the corner of the building and continues on the walls under the pub’s patio. This mural was done with a mix of exterior latex brush work and high production air-gun painting.

#07. 120-5th Ave. (Cactus Jack’s) – Billy Miner Train Robbery

Artist: Alexx Moir-Porteous (2010)
This mural was completed in the summer of 2010 by Alexander Moir-Porteous. Fredrick Fulton, a local community leader, prosecuted the infamous train robber, Billy Miner, in Kamloops in 1905. Billy Miner is known for coining the phrase “Hands Up”. After a successful robbery in Mission, BC in which Billy netted almost $100, 000, he came to Kamloops and became a respectable rancher. The thrill of train robbery was, however, far too tempting, and Miner struck again in Kamloops. Unfortunately, he only managed to steal $17, and the attempt led to his capture by the Mounted Police. Frederick Fulton put him in jail on a twenty-five-year sentence. He soon escaped and was never re-captured. The mural depicts the last of the old West train robberies by cowboys on horseback. This mural is dedicated to that piece of Kamloops' history. The artist took great pains to ensure that this mural was historically correct.

#08. 357 Victoria Street (Carlos O’Bryans) – Wheel in the Sky

Artist: Alexx Moir-Porteous
The "Wheel in the Sky" mural depicts a festive evening in 1920 Ireland. Located behind Carlos O'Bryans, this mural features a carnival with a Ferris wheel in the center. This Ferris wheel inspired the name of the mural. The pub in the mural called "An Ighean Dhamsa" is Irish Gaelic for "The Dancing Maiden". A magician breathes fire as the city folks bustle throughout the street while they go about their daily activities. This festive scene represents the boisterous and jovial atmosphere of the restaurant. The scene adds life to the downtown back alley art gallery.

#09. 353 Victoria St. (Viva Bridal) – Italian Countryside

Artist: Ken Wells (2012)
Kamloops has a large Italian community, Anthony Salituro (the owner of the shop) being one of them. He gave the artist a number of photos of Italy from which Ken created this work of art. Note the 3 dimensional effects.

#10. 350 Seymour St. – Marilyn

Artist: Evan Christian (2013)
Marilyn Monroe: The owner had a poster of Marilyn that he showed to the artist. This entire piece is done with spray paint. This was our first mural of this genre and it shows the amazing detail that is possible with a good spray paint artist. He has completed many commissioned murals within the City of Kamloops and elsewhere.

#11. 347 Victoria St. (Castles & Cottages) – Underwater Scene

Artist: Kelly Wright (2012)
The owner wanted a seaside-inspired fantasy visual. It was originally supposed to be just on the lower half of the wall but the artist became so inspired that he kept going. The concept for this mural is to make the viewer feel surrounded by the multiple dimensions of the walls. It took about 6 weeks to complete.

Note: the sun is coming through the water surrounding the mermaid.

#13. 319 Victoria St. (Blue Grotto) – Kuan Yin

Artist: Alexx Moir-Porteous (2011)
This wall was very heavily tagged by graffiti so the owners were happy to have a mural created here. The art represents the owner’s interest in Buddhist culture.

  • History tells us that Kuan Yin (Kwan Yin) is the Chinese version of the male god, whom the ancient texts eulogize as the deity of compassion.
  • The Buddhist Deity Green Tara is also known as a heavenly deity who hears the cries of beings experiencing misery.
  • The Diamond/Triangular Mandalas in Buddhist cultures, a mandala embraces what they consider to be the four facets of life; unconscious, conscious, emotional and spiritual.

#14. 273 Victoria St. (Kipp-Mallery) – Urban Art

This mural is one of the originals and was done before the KCBIA’s mural program. 2 young men, who moved on to Toronto for a career in the arts, completed this mural around 2000. It showcases collaborative street art. If you look up, you will see a little lego Mario Bros. who appeared one night out of the dark.

#15. 263-265 Victoria St. (Tenisci Piva) – Downtown Scene

Artist: Ken Wells (2010)
This piece incorporates all of the things that make Kamloops unique and showcases the activities in which you can partake within our beautiful city. It is meant to represent the 200 block of Victoria Street. This is the street view you would see if the building was not here. This mural, which is a completely different style than Ken’s other murals, demonstrates the variety of styles that our alleys have. Variety is one of our goals for the Back Alley Art Gallery.

#16. 255 Victoria Street (Oronge Board Shop) – Italian Villa Courtyard

Artist: Ken Wells (2011)
This is a forced perspective mural, which essentially means that it looks as though it is three dimensional, but isn’t. This is a scene with many details incorporated.
Notice the flying angel bricks on top show the artist’s names.
The dog is used as a focal point for the boy and to move the viewer's eye from one side of the composition to the other.

#17. 250 Victoria St. (4CATS Art Studio / Art We Are) – Artist Mid Creation

Artist: Kyleen Cachelin (2015)
This was a wonderfully large canvas to work with. The building owner wanted something completely different from our other murals. A fun, modern, more European street art style. With art based businesses in the building, the image of an artist in her studio in the midst of creation seemed perfectly fitting.

#19. 245 Victoria St. – Abstract

This used to be Tricia Sellmer’s Gallery
Tricia Sellmer emblazons collective dialogues upon canvas in pursuit of light, harmony, balance, presence, rhythm and concealed touch.
Her works hang in public and private collections internationally. Locally, her artwork is proudly displayed in the Brownstone Restaurant and at the Plaza Hotel.

#21. 231 Victoria Street – Tuscan Villa

Artist: Ken Wells (2011)
This is the back of the KCBIA office. As we facilitate the mural program, it is fitting that we have a mural too.
Tyler, in the brown overalls, was actually one of the mural artists. The general idea with this mural was to improve the overall look of the building with different focal points.

#22. 219 Victoria Street – Italian City

Artist: Ken Wells (2012)
This is an Italian architectural mural with a special point of view best viewed from the alley. The arch way creates a window to an active scene. The theme of this mural is a meeting place. The dog, a Welsh Sealyham Terrier, appears in a few murals and is a nod to the artist (Ken Wells) mother who was an artist and dog breeder in the UK.

#23. 366 Victoria Street – Bee City

Artists: Alexx Moir-Porteous, Ken Wells, Evan Christian, Marianna Abutalipova and Kelly Wright

The Kami Inn parking lot was the location for the 2017 Spring Fest. During the weekend a collaborative mural was painted on the side of Jonathan Buchner Gems & Jewellery. This mural consists of local wildflowers and bee friendly flowers painted in different styles by an array of talented artists. It was an art event – A weekend mural!

#24. 301 Victoria Street – Homage to the Leland Hotel

Artist: Evan Christian (2017)

This mural was designed to celebrate the rich history that Kamloops offers. The building that stood here until 1980 was the Leland Hotel, which was built in 1905, named in 1907 but met its end in flames. Conceptually the mural pays homage to the historic Leland Hotel but in a very modern, contemporary and unusual way. This is a popular genre of mural, so colourful and energetic this work of urban art was created with a combination of wall paint and spray paint. This mural is a dynamic addition to the diversity of our Alley Art Gallery.

#25. 316 Victoria Street – The Mystic

Artist: Ken Wells (2017)

The story behind this mural is that the Old Mystic is sending his red roses out into the world with his doves, they are received by the lady at the front, she doesn’t know from where they come. The intention of this mural is the promotion of peace and love throughout the world, without knowing who you are sending it to, or who is receiving it. The artist has designed elements within the painting to camouflage parts of the building structure; the window became the bird cage. By using this technique, the artwork is not diluted by the building. The ladies’ patio in the painting blends with the actual head office patio which overlooks Victoria Street. Remember, send it out into the universe – knowing it will be received with gratitude.

#26. 223 Victoria Street – The Jaguar Gate

Artist: Alexx Moir-Porteous (2017)

This depicts an Olmec/Inca temple site, whose ruins have become overgrown by the forest. Move through the guardians at the gate, past the megalithic stone wall and drift back to the step pyramid in the background. Imagine yourself in another time and place. Drawing inspiration from diverse cultures to add depth and breadth to the Alley Art Gallery.

#27. 258 Seymour Street – No Parking

Artist: Kelly Wright (2018

This mural was designed with the community in mind! During the KCBIA’s 2nd Back Alley Block Party, the community was invited to throw water balloons filled with paint at the wall. Afterwards, the artist was able to use the colours of the splattered paint as fill for the beautiful grizzly bear pictured above! This mural took four weeks to complete.

#28. 100-465 Victoria Street – JuiceBox 1998

Artist: Robin Hodgson and Jack Morris (2018)

This mural echoes the contemporary architecture of the TNRD building, and honours the cutting edge vision of the architects, Peter Cardew and Nigel Baldwin in 1998. The playful combination of shape, line, and colour also speaks to the history of abstract painting — a medium often featured on the walls of the Kamloops Art Gallery. Segments of the concrete wall will remain visible, in order to balance the materials of the original building with the mural. This mural took 5 days to complete.

#29. 220 – 4th Avenue – Saxophone Man

Artist: Zach Abney (2018)

This building resides beside the Commodore Grand Café & Lounge, The Commodore – as it is more commonly known- opened in 1927 and is both a licensed restaurant by day and a club by night. The Commodore is known for their diverse range of music, from DJ’s that specialize in hip-hop and electro to playing soft rock and jazz throughout the week.

This building resides beside the Commodore Grand Café & Lounge, The Commodore – as it is more commonly known- opened in 1927 and is both a licensed restaurant by day and a club by night. The Commodore is known for their diverse range of music, from DJ’s that specialize in hip-hop and electro to playing soft rock and jazz throughout the week.

#30. 503 Victoria Street – Films On My Mind

Lead Artist: Zach Abney – Assistant Nancy Kuchta
This mural was completed in the summer of 2019. It features a number of scenes from films played at the Paramount, going back to the first film that was known to be played- Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. The mural is meant to show people recalling these scenes that stuck with them, which is why it fades from a person’s face to the movies depicted.

#31. 322 Seymour Street – The Winking Man

The most recently completed mural painted downtown was created by Zach Abney. It’s located on the 300 block of Seymour Street. This piece explores the gaze as a form of wordless expression. Body language expresses so much before words become a part of the equation. A brief glance conveys so much emotion – from happiness and joy, to sadness, grief, and pain. “The Winking Man” communicates a wisdom that comes from age and experience, while the facial posture of the man recounts a sense of both wisdom and glee.

Kamloops Art Gallery – Now Open!

  The Kamloops Art Gallery has reopened its doors to the public! After being closed down they are finally able, and ready to #openwithcare to the public. Some things have changed, however, the new hours of operations are Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm....

Kamloops Art Gallery
EXPLORE ART IN DOWNTOWN KAMLOOPS

Downtown Mural Map

31 diverse art murals are a part of an eclectic collection along the back alleys in Downtown Kamloops. Explore the wonders of different artistic styles in this outdoor art gallery.

SUPPORT THE BACK ALLEY ART PROGRAM

Send a Letter of Support!

We’re currently applying for funding so we can continue to expand the number of murals in downtown Kamloops.
To submit a letter of support for this project please click the button below:

TAKE THE MURAL TOUR

Downtown Public Art Map

Take a self-guided walking tour in downtown Kamloops to see the public art displays created by local artists

1. Raven’s Nest

Bill Vazan (2003)

2. Overlander/Schubert Family

Terry Norlander & Garry Davies (2002)

3. Oblix

Joe Fafard (2007)

4. Gaglardi Statue

Terry Norlander (2008)

5. After Rome

Peter Hide (1992)

6. Highwater Plaza (2002)

&nbsp

7. Community in Motion

Geert Maas (2003)

8. Rivers

Michael Nicoll (2014)

9. Kamloops Community Forest & Mayor’s Grove/Mayor’s History Monument

Patrick Fagan (2006)

10. Wildfire Memorial

Cameron Kerr (2004)

11. Rivers Trail Labyrinth

&nbsp

12. Creation

Percy Zorillo Soto (2003)

TAKE THE HERITAGE TOUR

Downtown Heritage Walking Tour

1. Federal Building

207 W Victoria St.

2. Nicola Wagon Road

W St. Paul St. & McIntosh St.

3. Dr. M.S. Wade House

59 W St. Paul St.

4. William Philip House

31 W St. Paul St.

5. Capt. E. A. Nash House

59 W Battle St.

6. A. Galloway House

101 W Battle St.

7. F.E. Young House

133 W Battle St.

8. E.H. Grubbe House

157 W Nicola St.

9. Arthur Hatton House

96 Clarke St.

10. Joseph Stoodley House

79 W Nicola St.

11. Frederick J. Fulton House

63 W Nicola St.

12. William O. Ellis House

118 Nicola St.

13. George Ellis House

170 Nicola St.

14. A. Holmes House

223 Nicola St.

15. Sacred Heart Cathedral

255 Nicola St.

16. St. Paul’s Anglican
Cathedral

360 Nicola St.

17. Memorial Park

Battle St. and 2nd Ave.

18. Stuart Wood School

245 St. Paul St.

19. St. Andrew’s Church

185 Seymour St.

20. Old CourtHouse

7 W Seymour St.

21. Cigar Factory

297 1st Ave.

22. City Hall

7 W Victoria St.

23. Bank of Commerce

118 Victoria St.

24. Royal Bank

205 Victoria St.

25. Fuoco Block

219–222 Victoria St.

26. Kamloops’ First Fire Hall

345 Victoria St.

27. Ellis Block

371 Victoria St.

28. Plaza Hotel

405 Victoria St.

29. Kamloops Fire Hall #1

125 4th Ave.

30. Riverside Park

Lorne St. and 1st
to 3rd Ave.

Share This