Chemainus is a small town on the east coast of Vancouver Island.
With a mild climate and a great abundance of natural resources,
the surrounding area became home to many hardworking settlers.
The majestic forest in the area have provided the lifeblood of the
town for more than a century. At one time the town had the biggest
lumber sawmill in the world.

After more than 120 years, the town fell on hard times with the closing
of the sawmill in 1983. With the town economy in great jeopardy, the
local residents rallied, and with the help of businessman Karl Schutz
and the committed support of then Mayor Graham Bruce and the
municipal council, the Chemaninus Festival of Murals was born.

The idea was to revitalize Chemainus into a tourist destination with
murals by artists from all over the world with a central theme of
documenting and exploring the history of the region. From just five
murals in 1982, it has grown to a collection of 54 murals with yellow
footprints painted on the walkways to lead visitors on a tour through
town. As a direct result, Chemaninus has attracted numerous new
businesses, many thousands of visitors a year, a multimillion dinner
theatre and a first-class hotel. With just over 4,000 residents, these
welcoming people still dish out island hospitality with ice cream and
afternoon tea, just as they always have. The town has earned the
name “The Little Town That Did”.

For the remainder of this gallery, a sample of the murals will be shown…

Best viewed in original size