Street Banner Design Program
This program offers artists and designers an opportunity to submit proposals for original banner artwork that will be hung in Nanaimo’s downtown area. Banners will be on display in the Arts District downtown, along Bowen Road, Third Street and other major routes, creating a vibrant visual presence.
2022 Banners
Artist: Roz MacLean
Commissioned on the theme ‘Growing and Thriving in Nanaimo’ this banner design celebrates the benefits of gardening in 2022, which has been named the Year of the Garden across Canada. The design, by Roz MacLean was commissioned through the Urban Design Roster program. Rendered in bright contrasting colours with simple and striking graphics the banners give a view into the ground, foregrounding deep roots and the beautiful blooms they support.
“This banner design considers the plant life of this region. With this year’s theme inspired by a garden, I wanted to think about systems of growth and life that consider wellness, from root to flower and earth to sky. I enjoyed learning the names and characteristics of the plants you can see in the design, such as Kinnikinnick, Fireweed, Blue Camas, White Avalanche Lily and Iris Tenax. Roots nourish plants, and everything below the soil is just as vital to flourish as what appears above. This is true for plants and for human beings!” says MacLean.
Roz MacLean is a visual artist who works in traditional and digital mediums, with projects spanning illustration, expressive art and design. In her practice she explores themes of human nature, community and connection with the natural world. This is her first public artwork in Nanaimo.
2021 Banners
Artist: Becky Thiessen
In 2021, the chosen banner design reflected the thematic call call was Nanaimo 2121: One Hundred Years Forward.
“When I think 100 years forward, I can’t help but think 100 years back. Industry and increased settlement have made a significant impact on the natural environment in this region. People have lived in this area for thousands of years, in balance with the ecology. My banner imagery represents this idea. When I imagine Nanaimo in 100 years, I hope that the reverence for the cedar tree remains and I hope the estuary can still claim to be one of the greatest natural resources in the region.”
2020 Banners
In 2020, the selected banner design recognized Rotary's 100 years of service to Nanaimo.
A playful, eye-catching design by Amy Pye was produced, rendered in Rotary’s blue and gold colours, including graphics that point to the club’s commitment to promoting peace, fighting disease, and supporting education.
Based in Nanaimo, Amy Pye is the award-winning principal designer at Pye Design and is a community-minded entrepreneur. She has worked in communication design on Vancouver Island for over 15 years and has led initiatives to supply coats and school supplies for children, an awareness campaign on violence against women, and many other impactful projects.
Read more about Pye's banner design.
.tmb-half-width.jpg "Street Banner Design by Amy Pye - celebrating 100 years of Rotary")
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