Painting Begins on the Helmcken Road Trestle Mural

August 23, 2023

Press Release

Earlier this year, Town of View Royal residents were invited to select a theme for the new mural which will cover the walls of the underpass of the E&N Rail bridge along Helmcken Road. Trees and forest was the theme chosen and the call went out to mural artists across BC.

Collin Elder’s design, depicting a magnified view of Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar, was selected.

“My mural design for this project combines my unique experience in botany through ecological restoration, scientific illustration and mural creation. This work will highlight two of the most important tree species in our eco-region, and magnify them, to educate members of the community and foster environmental stewardship.

I’ve chosen to create two mirrored images of Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar, on either side of the underpass, including magnified branches, cones and bark, in a design that is appealing, and subtle in colour, to not distract cyclists and motorists.”

Collin began work on the mural yesterday and aims to have it completed in early September. The 1,375sq foot mural adjacent to View Royal Elementary School covers six surfaces in hues of green and brown.

About the Artist:

Collin Elder began painting after leaving a career in ecological conservation, which, along with his degree in wildlife biology, has focused his artwork on the deep and often mysterious connections with the natural world.

He has created several large murals in Victoria, as well as on Salt Spring Island and for Calgary’s BUMP Mural Festival. Victoria’s Madrona Gallery will exhibit Collin’s recent paintings of mountains, forests, and shorelines of southern Vancouver Island in October 2023.