When three artists from the Essencia Art Collective unveiled their Lawrence Avenue West underpass creation some locals weren’t entirely pleased. A few found it scary – and as usual in this town – city council got involved.  Councillor FRANK DI GIORGIO: “On public space I think, for myself, it should be a little more picturesque. I don’t think you take underpasses as a place where you try to communicate artistic messages. You’re trying to beautify things.”

Artist FIYA BRUXA, co-designer of the mural: “It’s an ode to Mother Earth, to all of Earth’s beautiful creatures and magical realism.” GILDA MONREAL (also known as Fiya Bruxa) said it’s meant to convey a warning about climate change and environmental destruction.

The opposite wall of the underpass, also painted by the Collective, is bright and cheery. No controversy there.  Over 2,000 people signed a petition to keep both murals.