HeARTWORK FOR WOLVES
Stunning wolf murals created by DRIFT MURAL CO. aim to portray the distinctive beauty of wolves, and raise awareness of the essential role that wolves play in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
WHY WOLF MURALS?
The murals “Unbound” and “Free Run” showcase the importance of wolves to environmental health while challenging viewers to consider the impacts of the B.C. government’s ongoing aerial kill program.
“Wolves play an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and the opportunity to preserve predator-prey systems across British Columbia is declining,” says Sadie Parr, Founder of WeHowl and coordinator of the mural project. “The artwork portrays the beauty of wolves and provokes reflection on their intrinsic value and sentient nature.”
“More than 2,000 wolves have been killed from helicopters since the Government of British Columbia began its winter kill program, ostensibly to help caribou, while industry continues to exploit resources in caribou habitat,” says Parr. “Aside from being highly unethical, this is in disregard to numerous ecological benefits that wolves provide and is counteractive to the efforts of the province to maintain healthy ungulate populations. For example, wolves likely help slow and minimize the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease, detected in B.C. in 2024, which is 100% lethal to all members of the deer family, Cervidae. The status quo for wolves in British Columbia cannot go on – it will only lead to negative environmental, economic, and cultural impacts for us all.”
Both murals serve as a medium to invoke heightened awareness, education, and inspiration to engage in a future that prioritizes coexistence and healthy landscapes for all species across British Columbia.
Want to become involved? Visit https://www.wehowl.ca/how-can-i-help
![dji_fly_20240820_184018_19_1724194895313_photo[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4bd11b_e302b8a24a8b4e19991ffdf49a44dec6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_599,h_450,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/dji_fly_20240820_184018_19_1724194895313_photo%5B1%5D.jpg)
how did this happen?
Unbound and Free Run were created by award-winning artists of Drift Mural Co. The murals were made possible by non-profit organizations WeHowl, Wolf Awareness, Humane Society International-Canada, The Furbearers, Valhalla Wilderness Society, and Zoocheck, with additional funds from an Environmental Grant through LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics and in-kind support from The Vancouver Mural Festival and The Beaumont Studios (Vancouver) and Samurai Hardwood Flooring (Nelson).
DRIFT Mural Co. - Artists' description of the work
The concept for Unbound is to create a dynamic and visually captivating representation of a wolf staring directly into the viewers eyes. This design aims to draw the viewer's gaze openly, creating a sense of powerful connection. This commanding image will capture attention and evoke a sense of awe and respect for the wild spirit of nature, bringing some wilderness back into the downtown core. This approach highlights wolves as a constant presence in the province, enhancing the mural's dynamic narrative and encouraging viewers to reflect on their relationship and responsibility toward each other and all species in our shared world. By depicting a wolf, the mural will symbolize the strong community bonds in the Vancouver area. Wolves are known for their cooperative and social nature, reflecting the values of collaboration and togetherness that are cherished in this vibrant community.
Thee concept for Free Run is to create a dynamic and visually captivating representation of a pack of wolves running across the horizontal expanse of the wall. This design aims to draw the viewer's gaze along the entire length of the mural, creating a sense of movement and unity. They are depicted amidst vibrant, modern geometric shapes of blanket flowers, creating a striking and captivating way to introduce a touch of nature to an urban concrete environment. This approach highlights the animals as a constant presence in the province, enhancing the mural's dynamic narrative.
By depicting a wolf pack, the mural will symbolize the strong community bonds in the Nelson area. Wolves are known for their cooperative and social nature, reflecting the values of collaboration and togetherness that are cherished in this vibrant community.
Through this artwork, not only do we hope to inspire appreciation and support for these magnificent creatures and raise awareness about the challenges they face in BC, but more than that, we hope to celebrate the spirit of unity and resilience that defines Vancouver and Nelson.
https://www.instagram.com/driftmuralco/