Hello and welcome to Weekend Coffee Share #53! I’m glad you’re here. Please come on in, help yourself to a cup of coffee, or tea, or hot chocolate at my coffee station and let’s chat.
Week 3/ 52
I hope you’ve had a good third week of January. From Sunday night through to Monday afternoon, a winter storm brought about 33 cm (13 inches) of snow to downtown Toronto. From Tuesday on, it’s been back to normal winter conditions.
Last week I shared dinosaur and whale murals at Budapest Park. Today I’d like to share three beautiful murals at Marilyn Bell Park and Lakeshore Boulevard Parklands. Their vibrant colours would catch your attention.
The murals were painted on rectangular storage buildings by professional artists. The storage buildings with locked doors look like utility sheds or tool sheds for Parks employees to store their tools for park maintenance. They vary in size. Each has four sides so it’s actually four murals per storage building.
Bee and Butterfly Murals
The Bee and Butterfly murals are on two storage buildings located side by side at east end of Marilyn Bell Park. Two artists painted them with a theme of plants and pollinators.
- Artist: Katrina Canedo @Kat_Cee painted the bigger and more colourful building.
- Artist: Hanna Brasly or Bee Fawn @bee_fawn painted the smaller building with the white background.
Cyborg Mural
This mural makes a bold statement. The longer I study the four sides, the more I admire the artwork.
- Artist: Gabriel Kizmet @Kizmet32
- Mural location: Lakeshore Boulevard Parklands, west of Marilyn Bell Park
Marilyn Bell Park and Lakeshore Boulevard Parklands are beautiful parks with lots of green space, big trees, picnic tables, tennis courts, a disc golf course, a boardwalk, and fantastic views of Lake Ontario. These vibrant murals bring art and add visual interests to the parks.
Which mural is your favourite?
Shared with #ThursdayDoors, #PPAC32.
Copyright © 2024 natalietheexplorer.home.blog – All rights reserved.
Thirteen inches is a lot of snow. Last weekend, we received about an inch and the City freaked out. Of course, most was ice. I enjoyed all of the murals, but the bees and butterflies were my favorite. Thanks for sharing, Natalie! Stay warm!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jill, That snowstorm was a major one. Once it passed us, it was full sun the next morning and the last two days. I’m glad you liked the bee and butterfly murals. They’re quite colourful. I hear freezing rain is coming your way. Hopefully you’re not affected much by it. Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really liked the bee/butterfly/garden murals Natalie – so bright and sunshiny. I’m amazed at how many artworks you’re surrounded by – we don’t have anywhere near that many in any place I’ve visited.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Leanne, The bee and butterfly murals are beautiful IRL. I’m amazed at the quality and quantity of public art around me, too.
LikeLike
Love that South Wall, but the East Wall is a close runner-up. Lovely photos, Natalie. Thanks for sharing them here, I need a burst of color right about now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Ally. I love colours and these murals are so bright.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it’s great that you have so many public murals. The cyborg mural artist has lots of talent, but is creepy to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think all these artists are highly skilled.
LikeLike
The Cyborg head is wonderfully intricate, though not really my kind of thing, Natalie. Have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jo for sharing your thoughts on the Cyborg mural. Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
HI Natalie, the first mural is my favourite – the Bee. I do love how murals are now used around cities to bring colour to ordinary objects. We do that here in Australia and it makes such a difference. Thanks for hosting #weekendcoffeeshare. I hope you will join in our monthly 2022 Word of the Year Link Party starting next week. If you don’t have a woty you can share your goals/intentions. I didn’t post here in the link up as I wasn’t sure of your guidelines. Here is the link to the post that explains what it is all about…. Coming Soon Join us for the 2022 Word of the Year Link Party
Have a lovely week. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sue for letting me know about your new monthly link-up. I’ll have a look shortly. I’m glad to hear Australia has been promoting murals. I hope to visit Australia and see some of them. Have a wonderful week!
LikeLike
Toronto really does have some great street art – thanks so much for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Barbara for your comment. It’s fun for me to share these murals on my blog.
LikeLike
First of all, so much snow! Secondly, what a beautiful way to brighten up gardeners sheds. Have a great weekend Natalie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jo, Fortunately, that big snowstorm was a one off and the next day it was sunny with clear blue sky. I’m glad you liked the murals. Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some of this collection look a bit too much like graffiti for my taste, but several others are noting short of amazing. Such a fun way to decorate such sheds. Thanks for sharing Natalie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Gary for your comment. With art, there is something for everyone. Have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those murals are amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Joanne. Glad you liked them.
LikeLike
Wow, you certainly got a lot of snow in one day! I’m glad the weather’s back to normal winter conditions now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, that snow storm was a one off and we haven’t had that much snow on one day for many years. The next morning it was sunny with clear blue sky.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So much snow Natalie! I too love the bees and flowers and what a clever way to decorate sheds! Very colourful and a great conversation starter :). Have a great weekend. We’re off to celebrate my grandson’s first birthday today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy first birthday to your grandson, Debbie. I hope you and your family have a wonderful time celebrating. That snow storm was a one off and once it passed, the next day it was sunny with clear blue sky.
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are all wonderful and must give a fun vibe to the park. Way more than a utility building. I like the bee and butterfly best, but it wasn’t an easy choice. 13″ is a lot of snow. The storms have been skirting north and south of us. Not much snow here this year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fortunately, that storm was a one off and we didn’t have much snow before it came. The bee and butterfly murals are bright and beautiful. I’m glad you liked them. Have a great weekend Dan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks like an inviting place to wander through, Natalie. May I say again that I am very much enjoying your presentations of the public art around you? Love the bold colors and broad pictures in these!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lizl, Thank you very much for your positive feedback. I enjoy sharing my photos of public art on my blog. I’m glad you liked the murals.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really like the bees, flowers, and butterflies murals.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re beautiful IRL. I think the artist did an excellent job.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like how they made good use of the storage walls. It would otherwise have been very plain and boring.
LikeLike
I agree, Teresa. I think it’s a win-win: The artists get to create and share their art, and the park visitors get to see something interesting. The murals may draw more park visitors and that indirectly promotes healthy living.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is why I love murals … for the same reason!
LikeLike
Love it, Natalie! last week it was Dinosaurs, this week, more excitement! what a fabulous use of storage sheds!
While I love the beautiful flora & insects, I have a soft spot for cyborgs.
LikeLike
Ju-Lyn, The more I study the Cyborg murals, the more I admire the artist’s skills to paint them. I’m glad you like cyborgs.
LikeLike
So much beautiful art Natalie, and so colourful. I love them all but it’s f I had to choose a favourite, it would be the West Wall -Cyborg mural. I love the colours and the boldness.
LikeLike
Jennifer, I think the artist has amazing skills to paint the Cyborg mural. I’m glad you liked it.
LikeLike
What a fabulous way to brighten up these utilitarian structures! I love the first one in particular 😀
LikeLike
Sarah, The Butterfly mural looks so cheerful. I’m glad you loved it.
LikeLike
Cool murals, though I think I like the the first the best. Hope you have a good weekend a great week ahead!
LikeLike
Trent, I think the artist did an amazing job with the Butterfly mural. I’m glad you liked it. Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
LikeLike
Thank you, SadiRose. Take care.
LikeLike
Wow – those are awesome murals. My favorite? Whichever one I’m looking at, I think. 😀
LikeLike
Welcome back, Hudie. I hope you’ve been doing well. I’m glad you liked the murals. I’ll visit your blog shortly.
LikeLike
So bright and colorful! I love how you get out and about. Thirty -eight degrees has me snuggling with the dogs indoors lately. I am a wimp. Have a great Saturday!
LikeLike
Lucky you to have mild winters, Pam. I enjoy getting out and about. It makes the winter more interesting. Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
I love them all but the Bee Wall is the best. Very nice. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
LikeLike
That Bee wall is vivid IRL. Great choice, Patrick. Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
Hi Natalie,
I just love all the artwork and I think you are right the cyborg mural is something else! I do Love the Bees and Butterfly’s too, but the cyborg one really stands out with all it’s details and colors! I am glad you have fairly mild winters as it goes with snow and all. Thank you for hosting! and I will be joining with a post shortly. Have a wonderful weekend and week ahead! 😀
LikeLike
Hi Diana, I’m glad you liked these murals. I admire the artists’ skills to make them the way they are. I look forward to your coffee share post. Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow. That’s a serious amount of snow. Love those new murals. The butterfly and bee ones are definitely my favorites.
LikeLike
The butterfly and bee murals are bright and cheerful. I’m glad you liked them.
LikeLike
Amazing. I love the concept of 4 similar murals on each side of a container.
LikeLike
The four sides kind of tell a story. I’m glad to see you at this week’s Weekend Coffee Share link-up.
LikeLike
What a fun murel tour. Thanks for the visit.
LikeLike
Thank you for stopping by, Antoinette. I look forward to reading your coffee share post.
LikeLike
Loving the cyborg pictures. great share
LikeLike
Thank you, Alex. Have a wonderful week ahead!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The bee and butterfly murals make me smile, but that cyborg eye is… wow. Kinda makes me want to start writing a horror story.
LikeLike
That cyborg mural got my attention. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
LikeLike
Natalie, these are wonderful! I love murals, and color. What better way to handle a dull “utility” type of door. Thanks for sharing them. Hugs on the wing!
LikeLike
Thank you, Teagan, for stopping by. I’m glad you liked these murals. They brighten my day as it’s winter here with mostly muted colour in nature.
LikeLike
You are so lucky to live so close to such beautiful parks, arts and culture.
I haven’t been back to Toronto since I began following your blog.
Your blog always makes me nostalgic to return to Toronto soon!
LikeLike
Hi Donna, I hope you visit Toronto soon while I’m here. I’d love to go for a coffee and walk with you to some of the sights.
LikeLike
Toronto has so many amazing street art and murals. Thanks for sharing this set with us, Natalie. I really like the side with the butterfly. And the Cyborg building is incredibly well done. So detailed! Have a lovely week ahead, hopefully with blue skies. 🙂
LikeLike
You’re welcome, Liesbet. These murals are fun and free to see. I love living in downtown Toronto. Lots to explore and enjoy here. I hope you’re enjoying nice weather and feeling more relaxed. Have a great week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Natalia,
That snowstorm is beyond my comprehension. While I’ve been to the snow and gone skiing, I’ve only ever experienced a light flutter. My favourite mural was the butterfly.
Thanks again for another week and I hope you have a great week ahead.
Best wishes,
Rowena
LikeLike
Hi Rowena, We haven’t got that much snow in one day for many years. Once the snow storm passed us, the next day it was sunny again and we’re back to normal winter conditions. I’m glad you liked the butterfly mural. It’s bright and cheerful. Have a great week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s amazing how another day can follow after a big storm and it’s a whole fresh start. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way after our big bushfires, I came across a photo of our son in his pram in the aftermath of our big local bushfires Christmas 2006. I’ll have to post it. It is rather striking.
Meanwhile, Saturday somehow managed to come around again.
Best wishes,
Rowena
LikeLike
Big fires are scary and devastating. They tend to cause long term damage to the environment. I hope you join us for another weekend coffee share.
LikeLike
First of all bees give me the heebeejeebies lol possibly because am allergic so while some see cute yellow and black striped honey producing insects…. I see possible death by Anaphylactic shock 🤣🤣
Anyhoo…. small surprise I love the Cyborg themed set particularly East wall – Cyborg head
~B
LikeLike
Thank you, B, for stopping by. I hope you’ve been keeping well. I think the artist showed amazing skills to paint the Cyborg head. I’m glad you love it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Natalie, again I’m in awe of the creativity and imaginative work on this storage units! The cyborg’s eye is rather unsettling … it seems to be staring right into my soul! 😀
LikeLike
Hi Annika, I like that the cyborg mural causes a strong reaction 🙂 I think the artist has amazing skills to paint that mural.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Natalie, I actually liked the giant bees and butterflies the best, the first set of containers. It seems that most people love the cyborg container, and I love the colors. The first containers remind me so much of the murals painted in Acker Park in Prescott that I love so much. Donna said it best, though, “You are so lucky to live so close to such beautiful parks, arts and culture.” I apologize for not leaving you a response sooner. I thought I had but after the mixup with the posts last week, I guess I only THOUGHT I left a comment. Please forgive me!
LikeLike
Marsha, There is no deadline to leave me a comment so no need to apologize. I’m happy you dropped by and that you liked the giant bees and butterflies. I love their brightness and cheerfulness. I hope you continue feeling better everyday. Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLike
I love murals! These are all exquisite! A much-needed tribute to some of our pollinators. Here’s one I worked on in my community: https://joannaoftheforest.wordpress.com/2016/06/16/a-forest-of-dreams/
LikeLike
JoAnna, A Forest of Dreams mural looks amazing. What a great community project that was. Thank you for sharing it. There are many murals in Toronto. I’ll share some of them next week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was fun to work on the Forest of Dreams. I bet Toronto is beautiful. Looking forward!
LikeLike
All of them are great but I love the East Wall one the best. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
LikeLike
Thank you, Patrick, for sharing your thoughts. Have a great weekend!
LikeLike