Transforming downtown shutters into public art

A new City of Lethbridge initiative is turning everyday security features into unexpected canvases for public art.

The public art pilot project will see vinyl wraps installed on two sets of roll shutters at Fee Simple Law, located at 319 4 Street South.

Local artist Sheila Shaw was tapped for the project. Interested in exploring larger-scale public art, she initially explored the Community Murals initiative, which added eight new murals to Lethbridge in 2024. The thought of tackling such a massive piece entirely by hand gave her pause.

"I was a bit intimidated by the murals process, " says Sheila. "I didn't feel like I was necessarily ready for that."

When this new opportunity presented itself, Sheila leapt at the chance to experiment with mural-scale design. It offered the best of both worlds: working at a grand scale while still creating the piece in studio.

Roll shutters aren’t typically seen as artistic surfaces. But across the city, they’re becoming more common. While they’re mainly used for security, this pilot project is looking at them in a whole new light: as blank canvases for public art. Wrapped in vibrant designs, they can help prevent graffiti, last longer and make our streets feel safer and more inviting.

Matthew McHugh, a partner with Fee Simple Law, has maps showing the historical layout of the community. Sheila incorporated that layout into her artwork. There are also odes to the Oldman River and the coulees. Other portions are more personal in nature, including Sheila’s childhood memories of growing up in Gift Lake Metis Settlement in north central Alberta.

“My late mom inspires my artwork. She made patchwork quilts. As a kid, I remember seeing all these blocks of cut-up fabric in all these different colours. So, me working with colourful squares is a way to honour her.”

"This project really shows what can happen when our community comes together,” says McHugh. “The City, Allied Arts Council, the Business Revitalization Zone, local artists and businesses are all working hand in hand to turn something negative into something inspiring. The mural’s abstract expression of historic maps of our city makes it a unique celebration of our community’s story.  We’re proud to have our business be the first location for this pilot project."

Sheila’s work is scheduled to be installed on September 19, weather permitting, and will remain in place for three to five years. It offers residents and visitors a fresh visual experience and a reminder of the power of art to transform everyday infrastructure.

“We’re thrilled to work with the community on this innovative project,” says Justin Schipper, Urban Revitalization Administrator. “It’s a creative way to bring vibrancy into unexpected places and spark new conversations about how we experience our downtown spaces.”

The pilot program is part of the City’s larger Public Art Program. If successful, the pilot may expand to additional locations in the future.

Sheila estimates the project took her 40 hours to complete. She’s excited for the big reveal.

“I’m just really looking forward to seeing my artwork blown up!”

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