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ABOUT THE ARTwork 

Artist Statement:
The Fraser River has played a crucial role in the development and history of New Westminster. From the early days when the Coast Salish peoples navigated its waters in canoes, to its evolution into a major shipping route, the river has been a lifeline for the community. Its importance extends beyond human activity to the balance of the entire ecosystem.
 
In this artwork, I sought to capture the essence of the Fraser River’s foreshores, including the adjacent Brunette River. These waterways have been vital to the Coast Salish peoples, providing an abundance of food such as salmon, which holds significant cultural value.
 
The design showcases the rich ecosystem of these waters and shores. Young salmon swim through the tidal grasses, while a frog emerges from the foliage. Beneath the surface, partially obscured by the grasses, is the head of a great blue heron hunting—a majestic predator that thrives in this environment.
 
This artwork honors the river’s historical significance to New Westminster and its role in supporting the diverse life forms that rely on it. In Coast Salish culture, these creatures hold profound symbolic significance:
 
Heron: The heron is often regarded as a symbol of good fortune. Its presence represents patience, elegance, and grace. As a solitary bird with a deliberate and measured approach to life, the heron embodies the virtues of calm perseverance and refined beauty.
 
Frog: The frog is celebrated as a communicator in Coast Salish culture, known for its distinctive vocalizations. The frog’s croaking serves as an important indicator of seasonal changes, signaling shifts in the natural world and marking the passage of time with its calls.
 
Salmon: Salmon are one of the most revered symbols in Coast Salish culture. They represent wealth, prosperity, renewal, and the essence of life itself. Their remarkable journey from freshwater to the ocean and back again is a powerful metaphor for resilience and transformation, reflecting the cyclical nature of existence and the interconnectedness of all living things.
 

ABOUT THE ARTIST 

Kelly Cannell, a celebrated Coast Salish artist from the Musqueam Nation in Vancouver, B.C., creates vibrant and thought-provoking works that reflect a deep connection to her culture and the natural world. Inspired by the rich artistic traditions of the Musqueam community, her art combines intricate details and vivid colours while exploring innovative techniques.

​Cannell’s artistic journey began early when she started collaborating with her mother, renowned artist Susan Point, at the age of 12. Her passion for diverse mediums has led her to work in carving, painting, metal sculpture, silk screen printing, glass and more. She has studied at prestigious institutions, including the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington and The Glass Furnace in Istanbul, Turkey. In 2019, Cannell was awarded a contemporary art scholarship that allowed her to collaborate with Venetian master glassblowers at the Berengo Glass Studio in Murano, Italy. She also refined her skills in acrylic painting and printmaking at Emily Carr University of Art + Design.

​Her work, admired for its powerful storytelling and innovation, is featured in public art installations across Greater Vancouver and beyond. Some notable pieces include Vancouver storm sewer covers, a large cedar carving for CBC Radio, Westbank development resident light boxes, Starbucks Waterfront Station murals, the Apple TV Indigenous Voices banner, University of British Columbia glass canopies, Lelem Development sculpture and light installations, Thind Development Metrotown Metal sculpture and murals like Keepers of the Land, a tribute to the stewardship of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations at BCIT Burnaby. These installations demonstrate her ability to merge tradition with contemporary artistry, ensuring Coast Salish culture remains vibrant and visible in urban spaces.

Cannell’s art reflects her commitment to environmental themes and cultural preservation, raising awareness about the importance of stewardship and community. In 2024, she received the prestigious Polygon BC Achievement First Nations Art Award, further solidifying her influence in the Canadian art scene. Looking ahead, additional installations are planned for 2025, promising to expand her impact even further.

​Frequently collaborating with family members, Cannell highlights the importance of intergenerational knowledge-sharing in her work. Through her artistry, she continues to preserve and evolve Coast Salish traditions, inspiring audiences while bridging the past with the future.

More About the Artist

Background

This mural was commissioned by the City of New Westminster as part of the City's Mural Pilot launched in 2023.

Different than previous years, this mural was a community-initiated project. The Health Sciences Association of BC submitted a proposal requesting approval and support to install a mural on their exterior blast wall at 180 E Columbia Street. The proposal was assessed and approved by an inter-departmental team.

The City supported the costs to commission the artwork. Health Sciences Association supported the costs for priming the surface and the application of an anti-graffiti coating. As the property owners, they are also responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the mural.

The intended lifespan of the mural is 5 years (2025-2030).

*Please note that we are still in a testing/pilot phase of our mural program and have not launched anything formal.

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Photo credit: Courtesy of Health Sciences Association of BC.

 

 

Kelly Cannell
Neighbourhood:
Sapperton
Installation year:
2025
Status:
Temporary
Type:
Mural
Primary materials:
paint
Address:
180 E Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC V3L 3E3