Mural project aims to show the bigger picture of Halifax's Mulgrave Park

When Jeremy Williams began his first mural project, it was to honour late friendTyler Richards.

"When he passed away I felt the need to share his impact on the community, and now his mural means the world to us," said Williams, co-ordinator of the Paint the Park project.

Three years later, street art has transformed Mulgrave Park'soutdoor space into a public art gallery, with huge murals painted on the sides of the buildings in the public housing development in north-end Halifax.

Williams is hoping to erect at least a dozen additional pieces thisAugust.

"Our goal is to make Mulgrave Park the art hub of Halifax," he said.

A diverse lineup of local and international artists will paint the murals,including one ofViola Desmond and another of the Bluenose.

Williams expects this summer's Paint the Park eventto be the biggest yet.

He said this timeit will reflect the people who live in the community. He said he wants to move past memorial pieces and focus on the future of his community.

"We're using the power of art to help project our youth into a positive way of life. We're changing communitiesand that's our priority."

Williams hopes the art will draw people to the housing project and break down some of the stigma around lower-income communities.

He believesif people start seeing the park differently, they will have a better understanding of the community.

His ultimate goal is to have the artrevitalize Mulgrave Park and bring some much needed attention to it.

"If we get it to a point where Mulgrave Park is the go-to place for art, the quality of life in the neighbourhood will inevitably improve," said Williams.

The project will include the murals as well as a fresh coat of paint onthe community's five kilometres of retaining walls.

The project will come with a price tag of around $24,000, almost half of which Williams hopes will be paid through a provincial grant.

There will be a public input session held at the Mulgrave Park Caring and Learning Centre on June 20.Artists are scheduled to begin painting on Aug.25.