City of Victoria Downtown Banners
Designer
Project Challenge
The City of Victoria sent a call to artists to design a set of banners for the city's downtown light poles. Mike Hill, the city's Downtown Coordinator, supplied size specifications and the proposed install locations. Designs were limited to three colours. The city and the Downtown Business Improvement Association (BIA) started the banner program. After the BIA's dissolution in 2001, the City restarted the program in 2004. The city recognized banners create a festive atmosphere downtown.
Solution/Contribution
After much exploration, I established a concept and appearance for the banners. The designs acknowledge Victoria's unique natural setting, the wildlife in the waters around the city, and (because the banners are fabric) the textile arts of the peoples who populate the region - needlepoint, weaving, embroidery and quilting. I liaised with the fabricator in Delta, B.C. to ensure the production files performed as expected. The final products were stunning. "The feedback we are receiving is overwhelmingly positive," said Mike Hill about the banners. One of the installers said "People kept telling us how great they look and asking where they could buy them."
For fun, I produced two cross-stitch charts, one of the popular Orca and the other of the purple Sea Star. Extraordinarily, purchasers sent me their work as appreciation for the designs. Photos of their work is below. I have a few charts still - message me if you want one!
With Mike Hill, City of Victoria, and Big Bold Beautiful Banner Company. 27” x 94” and 27” x 60”, silkscreen on polyester. Copyright @ Chromajoy Creative. All rights reserved.
