Artists brighten up Truro and Bible Hill with murals

BIBLE HILL– Two local artists have brightened up their community with murals in Bible Hill and Truro.

The Village of Bible Hill commissioned artist Dakota Dalrymple to spruce up the entrance of the subway train tunnels on Main Street.

Dalrymple painted the murals in September as a member of the village’s maintenance team.

“Originally, we were just supposed to paint the tunnels just like flat green,” said Dalrymple, “and then one of my lovely co-workers mentioned … doing a mural.”

The paintings, a majority of which feature foliage and flowers, were inspired by the landscaping work Dalrymple did for the village.

“I’ve been drawing ever since I was a kid, but I started painting when I was like, I want to say 13,” said Dalrymple. “It was just a hobby growing up that kind of stuck.”

The artist’s work can be found in other parts of the village, including on fire hydrants and at the Tim Horton’s on Pictou Road. Dalrymple hopes to sell her paintings in the future.

“People are so lovely when it comes to art,” said Dalrymple, when asked what the mural opportunity means to her.

“Everybody stopped and like, said something, which lets me be a little less nervous about selling some (paintings).”

Anyone who has taken a walk in Victoria Park recently have likely seen Josh Kennes’ mural on the retaining wall near Jacob’s Ladder.

Kennes, the artist behind Iron Kraken Airbrush Studio, was commissioned by the Town of Truro to paint the mural this summer.

Kennes and the town’s parks, recreation, and culture department connected, and the project came to life.

The mural features a deer, a squirrel, a chipmunk, and salamanders.

The painting process began this summer and took about a week to complete.

Kennes worked on the mural as people were walking through the park.

“That was the most fun part,” said Kennes. “I don’t always like being watched when I paint.”

Kennes started his airbrush business about 10 years ago. In addition to murals, he paints goalie masks, motorcycles, tumblers, guitars, and more.

The artist said painting the mural was an incredible experience, because it gave him the chance to grow his creative reach.

He was able to transform a concrete retaining wall and bring something nice to the community.

“My hope is that the art balances on something that adults and kids would enjoy,” said Kennes.

“It’s not super cartoony, it’s not super realistic. It’s meant to just be a nice, vibrant piece that people couldn’t miss when they’re walking by.”