New Mural at London's Grand Theatre: A Live Performance in Art

London, Ontario is set to have a vibrant new addition to its cultural landscape! This week, Kazakh-Canadian artist Ola Volo is painting a stunning mural outside the Grand Theatre at the corner of Richmond and Dufferin streets. This bold project is already turning heads and promises to be a spectacular sight once completed.

Standing at an impressive 18 by 16 meters, the mural features a regal queen, symbolizing Mother Nature, partially enveloped by a large dove representing new beginnings. The vibrant pink and green beams emulate stage lights, while lightning bolts on the queen's crown signify power. And let's not forget the Ontario trilliums adorning the edges, adding a touch of local flavor to this masterpiece.

The Grand Theatre has had dreams of transforming its stage door wall for almost a decade. Executive Director Lyndee Hansen describes the wall next to the parking lot as a 'blank canvas' begging for artistry. The concept of free public art perfectly aligns with the creative collaborations brewing inside the theatre.

The mural isn't just a piece of art – it's a live performance. From now until August 30, you can witness Volo and her partner, Patrice Lacroix, bring this mural to life. Volo considers the act of painting in public a theatrical endeavor, much like a play unfolding before an audience. She likens the parking lot to a stage, where her crane becomes the spotlight and her brushstrokes, the script.

Volo, who first dipped her toes into muralism at 21, brings her unique style influenced by Eastern European folklore and Vancouver's nature scenes. She hopes this mural will be a catalyst for more public art in London. 'London has so many beautiful, empty walls that I'm excited for muralism to maybe become a new wave of expression,' she says.

Each stroke on the mural exposes the journey rather than just the final product. Volo is candid about her process, including the occasional mistake, to inspire other artists to embrace their own creative paths. Her works are a testament to the artistic spirit thriving in London.

If you're wandering by Richmond and Dufferin streets this week, make sure to stop and admire the process. Who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of your own inspiration blossoming.