Residents and visitors to Sidney will soon witness the restoration of a beloved landmark: the monumental mural, The Ocean.
Located on the side of Fairway Market building near the Sidney Pier, the iconic artwork, created by internationally acclaimed artist IceBear, a proud member of the Chippewas of Nawash, is set to undergo extensive cleaning, rebuilding and restoration throughout the spring and summer of 2025.
The mural, a vibrant depiction of marine life and ocean science, was originally painted in 1999 in celebration of the "International Year of the Ocean."
Its location, highly visible to anyone strolling along the roundabout on Beacon Avenue and the pier, has made it a cherished part of Sidney's cultural landscape.
The Ocean showcases a diverse collection of images, from deep-sea viperfish to a Coast Guard vessel battling stormy seas, all woven together to tell a compelling story about the importance of ocean science on the West Coast.
IceBear visited Sidney in August 2024 to assess the mural's condition and carry out initial structural repairs. He announced plans to complete the full restoration by June or July of 2025.
The artist has expressed deep gratitude to the Town of Sidney, local sponsors and volunteer organizations like ArtSea for providing the opportunities to create and maintain such impactful public art.
"I have really enjoyed reconnecting with the people of Sidney through this restoration," said IceBear. "I can see how, over the past 25 years, residents have taken ownership of this mural that bridges cultures, bridges science and art and bridges past with present."
IceBear has also painted two additional murals in downtown Sidney (NIL/TU’O at 2340 Beacon Ave and The Cannery at 9768 Third Street).
The restoration project is made possible through a Saanich Peninsula Arts and Culture Grant, administered by the ArtSea Community Arts Council.
Sidney Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith expressed his enthusiasm for the project. "It is an honour to have him back in Sidney, reviving this awe-inspiring ocean mural. I appreciate IceBear’s incredible talent and dedication, and I appreciate all ArtSea does as a volunteer-based organization to support the arts in our community, including administering this important grant."
Adding another layer of significance to the project, an emerging artist will be mentored throughout the restoration process, ensuring that valuable skills and knowledge related to mural maintenance are passed down to future generations within the region.
The grant program, funded by the Town of Sidney and the District of North Saanich, provides crucial support for artistic and cultural initiatives that enrich the lives of residents throughout the Saanich Peninsula.
For more information, visit artsea.ca.
