Join this collective art story
A decade of art, community, and colour in the Kinnaird Ravine
This year marks a joyful milestone for one of Edmonton’s most cherished community art initiatives — the 10th anniversary of Free Arts Edmonton’s KinnArt Ravine Mural Project.
What began in 2015 with just a few panels of painted plywood has grown into a vibrant, ever-evolving outdoor gallery nestled in the heart of the city. Thanks to ongoing support from the City of Edmonton, Parks Edmonton, Parkdale-Cromdale Community League, and the Edmonton Arts Council, this grassroots project has flourished — and 2025 will see its most exciting chapter yet: All 62 murals will be refreshed and renewed.
No experience required
From the end of May through September, volunteers will be painting every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm at Parkdale-Cromdale Community League. Everyone is welcome to be part of it. Whether you are a long-time resident, a newcomer, a curious passerby, or a passionate artist, this project is for you.
Mural coordinators warmly invite:
Families looking for a fun and meaningful weekend activity
Indigenous artists and community members
Immigrants and newcomers eager to connect and create
Professional artists and dedicated hobbyists
The 2SLGBTQIA+ community
People of all gender identities and expressions
And anyone who believes in the power of art to bring people together
“This is more than a mural project,” says Sebastian Barrera, the project’s coordinator. “It's a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and shared stories."
The murals wind through Kinnaird Ravine between Sheriff Robertson Park and the North Saskatchewan River, offering bursts of colour and imagination at every turn. Look for everything from foxes and florals, to poetry, angels and apes — all painted by local hands and hearts. Access to the murals is by way of the public path into the forest from Sheriff Robertson Park at 82 Street and 111 Avenue.
“This is not public art — this is art made by the public,” adds Barrera. “Artists of all ages and walks of life are welcome. No experience is required, just a love of creativity and community."
A stroll through the ravine is more than a walk: it’s a journey through stories, symbols, and shared humanity. One visitor reflected, “I enjoy looking at the murals and trying to interpret them. I see them as a statement on humanity.”
Although new murals are added every year, a decade of weather and wear has left its mark. Happily, this full restoration effort is reviving not just the murals, but the spirit of the space itself.
The KinnArt Ravine Mural Project thrives because of the passion of volunteers, artists, and supporters. Each mural is painted at the Parkdale-Cromdale Community League, then carefully transported and installed along the ravine’s retaining walls, a true labour of love and community.
“To keep something like this going is a major accomplishment,” says Chris Ford, president of the Free Arts Edmonton board. "Funding is so tenuous. So many projects die, but ours lives on."
What does Edmonton get in return? A splash of colour, a spark of joy, and a sense of collective pride. “Visitors say, ‘Yes, we are an amazing city, doing amazing things,’" observes Ford.
Sebastian Barrera adds a sincere invitation: “Join us to be part of the next chapter in this beautiful, collective story."
Free Arts Edmonton (formerly CreArt) has offered free arts programming to youth since 2012, from theatre to music, dance, and film. The KinnArt Ravine Mural Project is another way that art is empowering individuals, building community, and transforming public spaces.
Want to support the project?
Call 587-879-7738 or send an e-transfer to creartedmonton@gmail.com.
Sign up on the website and access more info: www.freeartssociety.org
 | A guest post by
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Being published in Substack as well as in print, is a satisfying feeling, especially when supporting a great project like this. Rat Creek Press is always looking for local writers like myself.