Lake Wilcox Skate Park Murals and Portraits

·       The art at Lake Wilcox Park Youth area was designed by Toronto-based artists Shalak Attack and Bruno Smoky. There are nine pieces in total, including five panels, murals under two shade structures and two graffiti walls.

·        The portraits are meant to capture the stages of life from birth to adulthood, suggesting that while our formative years are important, coming-of-age is a lifelong journey.

·        The park’s public art program weaves together a series of edgy public art elements throughout the space, all relating to the theme of a “Journey of Self Discovery”, which explores the journey one takes during their teenage years to discover their own identity.

·        The art program for the Lake Wilcox Youth Area was developed with teenagers to speak directly to the issues that are important to them. The "Journey of Self Discovery" theme was further developed based on workshop conversations with local youth.

·        The work is inspired by our life experiences as we mature. The murals found around the park depict the diverse coming-of-age stories that form meaningful relationships, teach life skills and build character. The vibrant portraits along Bayview Avenue capture the stages of life from birth to adulthood, suggesting that while our formative years are particularly important, coming-of-age is a life-long journey. Two large murals on the underside of the shade structures further explore one’s Journey of Self Discovery.

·        The artists were also part of a larger design team led by Brook McILroy Inc.