(Halifax/Kjipuktuk, N.S.) - Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC) wants the public to know about two more ‘Gritty to Pretty’ grant recipients who have completed their art installations in Downtown Halifax.
Supernatural
Returning grant recipient Drew McSherry has completed his mural the “Grey Lady of Citadel” and it can be found just inside the pedestrian entrance at Scotia Square’s parkade at 1899 Albermarle Street. As a returning ‘Gritty to Pretty’ artist, it’s safe to say that this mural is a little different than past installations. Drawing on his ability to evoke the dark and strange, McSherry designed the “Grey Lady of Citadel” as an ode to Halifax’s legendary supernatural appeal.
“The Grey Lady is a famous local ghost story. It is said that the ghost of a young woman, smelling of roses and dressed in 19th century clothing, roams Citadel Hill, mourning her dead fiancée,” says McSherry. “I love the paranormal and supernatural and Halifax has so much of this. Through this mural, I wanted to celebrate this part of the city and share the story of the Grey Lady.”
Warm & Fuzzies
For those of you looking for that ‘feel good’ story, Open Grant recipient, OSO Planning + Design’s art project should do the trick. With the pandemic making so many of us feel disconnected and isolated, especially seniors, this project was born. OSO partnered with Spencer House Senior Centre to refresh and paint the six benches located in front of the former Halifax Memorial Library in Grafton Park.
"Our members were so excited about participating in this project. They are so proud of their work and connecting the community to the benches," says Allison Davis, Executive Director of Spencer House.
More Info
Both of these ‘Gritty to Pretty’ art projects can be found at DHBC’s "Self-Guided Downtown Art Tour" at downtownhalifax.ca/arttour.
DHBC’s ‘Gritty to Pretty’ Placemaking Grant Program is entering its ninth year in 2023. For more information on how to get involved visit downtownhalifax.ca/grittytopretty.
Land Acknowledgement:
Downtown Halifax Business Commission acknowledges that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) Peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1725. The treaties did not deal with surrender of lands and resources but in fact recognized Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations.
About Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC):
Downtown Halifax Business Commission represents over 1,600 businesses located in the central business district of Halifax, Nova Scotia. DHBC’s mission is to passionately pursue a more prosperous and vibrant Downtown Halifax, through good development, Downtown mobility, membership services, DHBC leadership, and Downtown placemaking. For more information, visit www.downtownhalifax.ca.
-30-
For more information:
Jayme Lynn Butt
Communications Manager
Downtown Halifax Business Commission
Grey Lady of Citadel
Grafton Park Benches
