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Street art unveiled at Mac's

Students give mural two thumbs up for featuring 'Barrie symbols'
mural group
Street artist Wong poses in front of his mural at the St. Vincent Street Mac's Convenience Store along with Barrie Police Const. Rob Adam, Sean Sportun of Mac's, OPP Const. Chris Lewis of Crime Stoppers and students from Steel Street Public School. Sue Sgambati/BarrieToday

Students from Steel Street Public School got free pizza, drink coupons and a chance to eyeball and critique a new wall mural during their lunch hour Thursday.

The mural was formally unveiled at one of two Mac's Convenience Store locations in Barrie - St. Vincent Street and Dunlop Street - as part of the chain's Street Art Mural Project.

The project aims to beautify walls with spray painted murals to curb vandalism and unsightly graffiti.

Lillee Lamoureaux, 10, believes the art will keep the area free of crime.

"If they wreck it they would be making a big mistake," she said.

The mural includes Barrie's Spirit Catcher, a Barrie Colts goalie, and a police officer handing drink coupons to a young boy.

As the grade five and six class munched on pizza, the consensus about the project was unanimous.  

"I like how it's all the symbols of Barrie," said 11-year old Graeme Galloway.

"I think it's cool how its got the goalie," said Cody Sawdon, 11.

"I think it's really cool. It has the police officer and the symbols of Barrie," said 12-year old Kamryn Bradley.

The project is the brain child of Sean Sportun of Mac's who says the aim is to break down barriers between police, youth and the community.

The artist who created the mural had been doing street painting for 15 years.

Wong, 31, from Toronto searched out what would be most appropriate in the picture.

"All my projects I research first - the neighbourhood the culture the creed - makes it feel like home for the community," said artist Wong.  "Hopefully it brightens someone's day.


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Sue Sgambati

About the Author: Sue Sgambati

Sue has had a 30-year career in journalism working for print, radio and TV. She is a proud member of the Barrie community.
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