A well loved mural in Saint Andrews, N.B., is getting a makeover this summer. Artist Geoff Slater was originally commissioned in 2007 to paint and design a mural showing a historic scene of the seaside town in the early 1990s. Slater has returned nearly two decades later to refresh his masterpiece. “This is a complete restoration,” he said. “A lot of the mural was painted over, re-primed.” The mural, which has never been given an official name, is known as the ‘hardware store mural,’ as it’s painted on the side of the town’s Home Hardware location. Slater said he’s keeping the mural’s restoration true to its original, for the most part. “No big changes, just a couple Easter eggs,” said Slater. “There’s going to be a little dog put on one of the vessels here that’s in honour of a friend of mine’s pet. He’s going to be a little sailor dog on this... Moose is going to make an appearance.” Slater’s resumé of public art also includes the iconic mural painted on the Saint Andrews water reservoir in 2003, which also shows a scenic view of the community. Slater has since carried out paint restorations at the water reservoir, as well. The ‘hardware store mural’s’ high traffic location - at the corner of Water Street and King Street leading to the town wharf - has attracted plenty of attention from both locals and visitors since the restoration began last month. “It’s been really exciting to watch the process,” said resident Julie Willsey. “Walking by here every day and seeing what he’s done week to week.” For Slater, interacting with people passing by has been an enjoyable part of the project. “They’re interested in the story,” said Slater. “They’re interested in the fact that we live in a community that cares about art.” Slater said he hopes to have the mural’s restoration finished in about a week, depending on the weather. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
