One of the proposed 'Behind the Mask' installments at the downtown parkade in Vernon. (image courtesy of Vernon Public Art Gallery/City of Vernon)

By Liam Verster

Art Installation

‘Behind the Mask’ art installation looking to set up in Vernon

May 27, 2022 | 4:00 PM

A community art project involving murals of individuals in masks is looking for approval to install the works in Vernon.

“Behind the Mask” is a community art program by the Vernon Public Art Gallery that saw people create masks, then wear the item while being photographed.

The proposed installation would see the photographs blown up to mural size and put up in three different city-owned locations: three pieces at the downtown parkade; one at the washroom building in Civic Memorial Park; and one at the downtown public washroom on Coldstream Avenue.

The proposed ‘Behind the Mask’ installment at the washroom on Coldstream Avenue in Vernon. (image courtesy of Vernon Public Art Gallery/City of Vernon)

The proposed ‘Behind the Mask’ installment at the washroom building at Civic Memorial Park in Vernon. (image courtesy of Vernon Public Art Gallery/City of Vernon)

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The Vernon Public Art Gallery (VPAG) is also requesting funding of up to $33,000 to install the pieces, with $20,982 of that coming from the Arts and Culture Reserve and the remainder from the prior year’s Uncommitted Unexpected Budget Reserve.

One of the proposed ‘Behind the Mask’ installments at the downtown parkade in Vernon. (image courtesy of Vernon Public Art Gallery/City of Vernon)

One of the proposed ‘Behind the Mask’ installments at the downtown parkade in Vernon. (image courtesy of Vernon Public Art Gallery/City of Vernon)

Additionally, the gallery is requesting the city approve the installation of a mural at the Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services, one at the Vernon Community Arts Centre, two installations at Bosman Accounting, one at Upper Room Mission and another at Turning Points Collaborative Society.

Those installations requires council approval under the City of Vernon Sign Bylaw, and will only be set up if agreements are made between VPAG and the afore mentioned property owners.

The installation and maintenance of the murals at the five private sites would be done at the sole cost of VPAG.

The proposed ‘Behind the Mask’ installment at the Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services building in Vernon. (image courtesy of Vernon Public Art Gallery/City of Vernon)

One of the proposed ‘Behind the Mask’ installments Boseman Accounting in Vernon. (image courtesy of Vernon Public Art Gallery/City of Vernon)

One of the proposed ‘Behind the Mask’ installments at Boseman Accounting in Vernon. (image courtesy of Vernon Public Art Gallery/City of Vernon)

The proposed ‘Behind the Mask’ installment at the Turning Points Collaborative Society in Vernon. (image courtesy of Vernon Public Art Gallery/City of Vernon)

The proposed ‘Behind the Mask’ installment at the Upper Room Mission in Vernon. (image courtesy of Vernon Public Art Gallery/City of Vernon)

The proposed ‘Behind the Mask’ installment at the Vernon Community Arts Centre in Vernon. (image courtesy of Vernon Public Art Gallery/City of Vernon)

The request noted that the mural installations will aid in council’s strategic plan goal of increasing events and amenities in downtown Vernon.

City staff are recommending approving all of the gallery’s requests and the issue will be before Vernon council at its regular meeting on Monday, May 30.