Wall-to-Wall West Broadway art

Murals, food, and music aplenty at five-day festival

Gabrielle Funk and Takashi Iwasaki's mural. Photo provided by Takashi Iwasaki.

Synonym Art Consultation is hosting a five-day mural and culture festival called Wall-to-Wall, beginning Sept. 23. With murals, music, and food, the local arts initiative aims to help connect people in Winnipeg who love to create.

Run by Andrew Eastman and Chloe Chafe, Synonym Art Consultation works to keep Winnipeg’s art scene thriving by installing art displays in many local establishments around town—including Fitzroy Restaurant and Union Sound Hall—in order to make art more accessible.

Their latest project, Wall-to-Wall, is a multifaceted, interactive mural and culture festival designed to break the mundane “art-opening” experience.

This art series is a combination of both indoor and outdoor murals to connect the establishments with the growing culture and development cropping up on Sherbrook Street.

Eastman and Chafe aim to make Wall-to-Wall a chance for artists of all types to come together and experience the art from other members of the community. They are providing the public with an opportunity to sing, eat, and enjoy the multi-sensory experience.

Here is your lineup:

Sept. 23, 7:30-11 p.m., EMK Clothing (143 Sherbrook Street)

Doubling as a clothing store and studio, EMK Clothing provides the perfect backdrop for Matea Radic’s mural. Her images create a world of meaninglessness while maintaining beautiful, constructed figures that converge together into a form that resists individuality. Midnight Choir, an open-membership musical project, will provide entertainment for the event before asking for audience participation. The best part? Free admission.

Sept. 24, 8-11 p.m., Thom Bargen (64 Sherbrook Street)

This intimate coffee shop sets the stage for the Blind Pig pop-up restaurant to create a completely unique combined culinary experience and art opening for Natalie Baird’s mural. Baird is primarily interested in community-based arts and research – fitting perfectly with Thom Bargen. Tickets for this event are $35 in advance. Email info@synonymartconsultation.com for yours.

Sept. 25, 8 p.m.-late, The Tallest Poppy (685 Westminster Avenue)

First established in the North End and moving to the Sherbrook Hotel this fall, the Tallest Poppy will host Jade Rennie-Harper’s mural to the tune of Jom Jom Club’s eclectic music. Rennie-Harper’s attraction to street art, ink, painting, and tattoos will result in a stellar mural. Tickets are $5 at the door; swing by to grab a drink and ask to see the Jom Jom Club’s vinyl collection.

Sept. 26, 12-4 p.m., Thom Bargen (64 Sherbrook Street)

The festival’s events reprise at Thom Bargen to bring you an afternoon of acoustic acts, an art sale (free admission), and of course all the (purchased) coffee you desire.

Sept. 26 10 p.m.-late, The Handsome Daughter (61 Sherbrook Street)

This under-the-radar bar (formerly the Rose n’ Bee Pub) will be hosting Dany Reede’s mural. His work exemplifies the dissonance he feels between his mind and body. Join local DJ trio Magik Trix for a rocking Friday night, complete with an open karaoke mic. Tickets are $5.

Sept. 27, 4-11 p.m., Food Fare Parking Lot (115 Maryland Street)

This pivotal point connects multiple local businesses across Sherbrook Street, making it the perfect location for Gabrielle Funk and Takashi Iwasaki’s mural. This event was designed to coincide with the Rainbow Trout Bike Jam, acting as the first stop. Get a bike tune-up from Natural Cycle, decorate your bike with Art City, and dance to music from local band Surprise Party at 8:30 p.m.

What reason could you possibly have for missing this amazing multifaceted event? Admission is free!