Summertime in the city has a certain energy—people are outside more, soaking up sunshine, walking slower, and noticing their surroundings in ways they might not during the colder months. One thing that often catches the eye is public art. It could be a bronze statue from a bygone era, a vibrant mural that covers the side of a building, or a curious, contemporary sculpture that invites you to interact with it. Art is everywhere, embedded in the rhythm of urban life.
In Montreal, like in so many other cities, art doesn’t just sit on pedestals or behind gallery doors—it’s stitched into the city’s landscape. Architecture often merges with artistic expression, forming spaces that are as visually inspiring as they are functional. I find that to be a beautiful thing.
I’ve dipped my toes into the world of public art. My most notable project to date is a mural along the Boulevard of the Arts in Sarasota, Florida. Interestingly, we ended up moving there afterward, but at the time, that opportunity came before we had any connection to the area—it was a happy coincidence. Public art installations like that are tricky to land. It’s a tough nut to crack, and many artists (myself included) find it challenging to break into that world.
The mural I created for the Sarasota Modern Hotel.
There are plenty of hurdles: tight budgets, complex permit processes, proof of past experience, and often, the need for a trusted fabrication or installation team. It can feel like a puzzle with a thousand tiny pieces that all need to fall into place just right. Sometimes it does, and other times, the door doesn’t open.
Still, I’ve had the good fortune of having my work reproduced for large hotel chains, where you might spot it in suites or even elevator cabs. One of my paintings, enlarged to 22 feet, lives in a Las Vegas restaurant. These installations might not be “public art” in the traditional sense, but they still contribute to the ambiance of shared spaces—and that’s what draws me in.
The large commissioned piece of art at the Palace Station Casino Buffet.
Public art changes a place. It can soften hard lines, brighten grey corners, and offer a moment of pause. It invites people to reflect, to wonder, to feel. It makes cities more livable. It brings joy, provokes thought, or simply offers something beautiful to look at on a walk home.
I continue to keep my eye on public art opportunities. Despite the red tape and roadblocks, I remain curious and open to what’s next. Maybe another mural, or something entirely new. The world of public art isn’t easy to step into—but the potential for connection, visibility, and transformation makes it worth trying.
You can see a full list of my different collaborations and public art pieces here.