Artist selected for Squamish 2023 Street Banner Project

(February 15, 2023)

The streets of Squamish will soon come to life with bright, emblematic depictions of familiar fauna thanks to the collaborative efforts of a local artist, Squamish Arts, and the District of Squamish. A call for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and Squamish-based artists was announced in February 2022 seeking submissions to the Street Banner Project, and requesting proposals of original designs influenced by the uniqueness of Squamish and the surrounding community. The submission by Squamish artist Ciarra Saylor was selected for the project with her Joyful Spirit Animal Banners series.  

“I have a great love for nature, animals and the spirit realm, and a great respect for nature and community,” says artist Ciarra Saylor. “My style is steeped in realism and led by my intuition. Each animal and colourway pairing was chosen specifically to represent an aspect of the beautiful town of Squamish.”  

The Street Banner Project is a community initiative to provide and develop a visually rich environment that promotes livability and artistic vitality. With the installation of the new Joyful Spirit Animal Banners, the community will be saying goodbye to the familiar and much-loved artwork of Sarah Symes. 

“Street banners create a sense of community pride and give us the opportunity to highlight the extensive local art scene that thrives here,“ says Squamish Arts Executive Director Katherine Kunze. “Squamish is a place unlike any other and Ciarra has captured that through these playful and uniquely Squamish designs. With her original drawings and the thoughtful choice of colours, these banners celebrate some of the special Squamish inhabitants that make this such an exceptional place to live.” 

The banners are slated for installation in the spring on existing light poles in commercial areas in Downtown Squamish, Garibaldi Estates and at Brennan Park Recreation Centre. 

Notes from the artist 

The Otter and The Dog 

The Otter represents joyful, playfulness and sharing. With our bustling waterways, the otter is a fabulous animal to enjoy the oceans and rivers in Squamish. The Otter is paired with the blues of the sky and the reflection on the ocean.

The Otter is paired with the Dog who represents faithfulness and protection. Our town is full of wonderful pets who enjoy our beautiful trails. The brownish colourway was chosen as an ode to the grounded connection dogs have as their four paws touch the earth, and how they ground the people around them. 

The Eagle and The Momma Bear 

The Eagle brings illumination of spirit, healing, and creation to the community. These majestic birds soar over our heads, inviting us to pause and enjoy their magical energy. Yellow brings connection to the sun and the eagle’s strengths.

The Eagle is paired with The Momma Bear who embodies the power of awakening the unconscious. She and her cub have been laid upon a salmon colour to connect them to the fish upon which they thrive in Squamish. 

February 15, 2023