Amongst the rubble and dirt that covered the ground in the area, is a mural that is 13′ x 130′ mural on the side of a building on West Hastings and Abbott, across the Woodwards Building. This “Paint Your Faith” mural was unveiled Wednesday, April 28, 2010.The four international artists, who expressed their faith through turning a blank canvas into a masterpiece, go by the names of Faith47 from South Africa, Titi Freak from Brazil, Peeta from Italy and Vancouver’s own Indigo.  The project began on April 21, 2010, and for a week, the artists began to gradually bring out the spirituality, faith, and art, in the surrounding landscape of the downtown East side.

On April 28, 2010 at 10am, a press event was held for questions to be answered, quotes to be given, and more importantly, for more information to be given about the mural and the meaning behind why it was painted.  With efforts by United Church of Canada and Wondercafe.ca, the side of the building was donated to the “Paint Your Faith” project,  which originated in Toronto, but has now made its way to Vancouver.Young artists and youth groups were invited to tour the mural on May 1^st, where they had the opportunity to meet with some of the renowned artists and were inspired to create their own aerosol art.  With a large enough positive response, we hope that the four artists will be back to bring hope, faith, and strength to Vancouver through the dialogue of their amazing art projects, “Paint Your Faith”.Visit the “Paint Your Faith” website for information about any upcoming projects, and photos of the murals painted both in Vancouver and Toronto: http://www.paintyourfaith.com/.

Words by: EUDORA KOHPhotos by: ALEX YELIZAROV