Winning mural announced for newly rebuilt Hamilton library branch opening in 2022

The Hamilton Public Library has announced the winning artist of the mural project that will grace the exterior at one of its newly rebuilt branches.

Vivian Rosas, a Toronto-based, multidisciplinary artist said she is “thrilled” to emerge as the winner of the Valley Park Branch Public Mural Project.

“I hope my mural will greet the community with a positive and uplifting energy as they arrive at the new Valley Park Branch,” said Rosas in a press release issued Wednesday (Oct. 20).

Rosas, who is an illustrator, dancer and muralist, said she drew inspiration from the flora and fauna of the area.

“I also chose to showcase some of the species that inhabit the area, such as the Cooper Hawk, the Eastern Bluebird, the Saw-whet Owl, the Cottontail Rabbit, and the Jefferson Salamander, to name a few.”

Vivian Rosas’ winning submission will grace the exterior of the new Valley Park branch of the Hamilton Public Library when it opens in the Spring of 2022. — Hamilton Library handout

HPL issued a call for artists to submit proposals for the mural back in May 2021. The call was answered by 28 artists and groups from around the world.

A jury of 11 went through all of the submissions and narrowed the choices down to a shortlist of six contenders.

An online survey also invited residents to weigh in on their favourite submissions. According to the press release, 338 residents cast their vote which was then taken into consideration by the jury when they gathered to make the final decision in September.

The volunteer jury, made up of artists, residents, architects and local representatives, agreed that Rosas’ mural “met the competition’s goal of celebrating the local geographic environment and HPL’s commitment to sustainability,” the release said.

Rosas was awarded $5,000 for her submission, which will grace an exterior wall of the new Valley Park Branch at Paramount Drive and Mud Street, slated to open in the Spring of 2022.

“The submission is vibrant, full of local nature, and has a feeling of discovery,” said Dawna Wark, Director Public Services-Branches at Hamilton Public Library.

“It represents diverse members of the community, physical activity, and promotes a healthy relationship with nature.”