FEATURED PUBLIC ART
THE FERNIE MURAL PROJECT
# Ferniemuralproject
Fernie ’ s walls have become a little more colourful in recent years thanks to The Fernie & District Art Council ’ s Fernie Mural Project . Since 2018 , each of the project ’ s official publicly funded community murals have been carefully selected by a jury guided by Fernie ’ s public art policy and the unique character of each space . Each artwork enriches our community , inspiring pride , reflection , and drawing people in , contributing to economic growth and sustainability .
The latest addition to the lineup is Erich Stoffels ’ ‘ All Aboard ’ on the wall of Fernie Legion Branch # 36 overlooking Station Square . A whimsical depiction of a traditional steam locomotive puffing through town , the piece appears to be rolling straight off the wall towards the Arts Station . Highlighting Fernie ’ s historical connection to the railways which were the mining town ’ s very first connection to the outside world , the artwork is also a touching tribute to Fernie ’ s military veterans . In place of the steam that should be seen puffing from the engine are dozens of colourful poppies , the universal symbol of remembrance . Red poppies reflect those who fought for Canada with golden centres to represent the lost souls , and purple poppies recognize military service animals .
An electrician , Stoffels has lived in Fernie for 12 years and only recently turned his childhood hobby of graphic artwork into a more serious endeavour , adding commissions and public art to his portfolio . ‘ All Aboard ’ took 80 hours over 6 days to complete and is already a beloved addition to Fernie ’ s cultural heart .
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