A Walkabout with a Talented Tale

In September of 2018, Botwood NL hosted the Global Mural Arts Conference. This is no small feat for a town of its size. Botwood Mural Arts Society began in 2010 during the town’s Come Home Year and has grown from there. Please make the time to visit the link below.

Botwood Murals

 

Before our walkabout, nine of us gathered for a lovely brunch at the Dockside Restaurant. Dockside Restaurant     The exterior of the restaurant is rather nondescript, but the inside is unique and so very interesting. We went for the Sunday brunch and it was excellent. An added bonus is the featured art and the showing of so much history. Check their Facebook page as well as the link above. They are open all year but call 709 257 3179 for hours.

 

 

These artists were just finishing this mural and we stopped and talked with them. She was from Argentina and was thoroughly enjoying her time in Newfoundland.

 

 

Clash of Cultures….Craig Goudie

This was my sister’s favourite. I was torn between this and The Two R’s by Craig Goudie, an artist from Grand Falls-Windsor. The detail boggles my mind and it is such a powerful part of our history.

 

 

 

Artist Craig Goudie…painted on Botwood library

 

…….this is definitely my favourite! It’s ingenious how he painted the books as fishing stages (rooms) and used pencils for the shores (supports)…..and the paper boats! Seriously, you can’t get any better with creative thinking……and the colours!

 

Our history.

 

 

Fire hall Mural

 

Continuing our walkabout and seeing still more amazing murals.

 

 

You really need to read everything and look closely at every detail.

 

The railway through Botwood depicted in a mural and what a story it tells.  A section of the old railway bed now provides a scenic walk.

Botwood has four interconnected hiking trails Killick Island 5 kms, Lighthouse Point, Old Railway Link, and King Ridge Lookout. They are not challenging and quite lovely. If you need information, please call 709 257 3022.

My niece, Adrienne recently sent me a quote by John Muir  regarding hiking and how he didn’t particularly like the word ‘hike’, he prefers saunter (through the mountains)….Botwood and its murals need you to saunter through the town and fill your senses with imagery, history and pure wonder.

The miracle is not to walk on water, the miracle is to walk on the green earth in the present moment, to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now. ….  Thich Nhat Hamh