There is a new mural, inspired by Windsor, in downtown’s Art Alley which is nestled in the boundary of Pelissier, Wyandotte, Ouellette and Maiden Lane.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), along with two street artists (one local) and members of the public came up with the theme of the mural which is about youth, multi-culturalism and diversity in the city. Weather forced the event marking the new addition to Art Alley to move into what turned out to be a packed Squirrel Cage which is an upscale cafe located at 1 Maiden Lane.

Among the faces in the crowd were CBC Brass including Windsor Morning Anchor Tony Doucette, Windsor-Tecumseh MP Cheryl Hardcastle, Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick, Downtown Windsor BIA Chair Larry Horwitz, and of course, Dan Bombardier (Denial) the local artist who helped create the piece.

Bombardier owns Fiveten Studio located at 510 Pelissier Street and has been operating in Windsor for 16 years. He says the public provided the inspiration for the mural’s theme through social media.

“We took the submissions from the CBC poll and worked out some of the top picks into a good composition,” Bombardier states. “As much as I wanted to paint a giant piece of Windsor pizza, which was a top pick, it didn’t work with the layout.”

Organizers of the unveiling Art Alley event still got the pizza in though by serving Capri Pizza, complete with Windsor’s famous shredded pepperoni.

Bombardier, together with Montreal based street artist Omen, created the mural in about two weeks. The CBC approached Bombardier roughly three months ago about the project.

Marissa Nelson, CBC Ontario Senior Managing Director says “we’re doing this in each of the television markets in Ontario.”

Omen has also created other murals in Windsor and says “overall this piece is really good,” adding “I think Denial Art is making a very concerted effort to bring street art to life in Windsor.”

Bombardier says “I like this mural because it adds a different element to its location. It represents community and hope.”

Feature photo: Fiveten Owner and Street Artist Dan Bombardier (Denial) (Left); Windsor-Tecumseh MP Cheryl Hardcastle and CBC Windsor Morning Anchor Tony Doucette in front of Windsor’s newest mural in Art Alley south of Maiden Lane. Feature photo by Harmony Peach.