“The past two years have been challenging on health care workers and our community members alike. We are so grateful for all of the support we have been shown by the Pemberton community during the pandemic and beyond,” said Lona Cunningham, Director Coastal, Acute & Chronic Conditions at Vancouver Coastal Health. “We’re delighted that the Pemberton Health Centre will be the home of the first mural from this wonderful initiative. The artistic expression of community spirit and support will be an uplifting reminder for patients and health care workers alike.”

The Process

In just 4 short days Petko transformed the blank wall at the Pemberton Health Care Centre into a bright and bold work of art for the Pemberton Community. Using over 61 colour shades, the artwork depicts tulips and honey bees set under a magnificent Mount Currie.

 Mural Artist, Dave Petko

Petko, a Whistler-based visual artist and tattoo artist, brings years of experience to the project. Having recently turned 52, he admits he is still very much a kid at heart, making art and finding “play” in everything that he does.

During the last decade, Petko’s artistic style has evolved dramatically, ranging from abstract expressionism to the pop-art-inspired bold, bright and colourful graphic landscapes, which can be seen in his latest designs.

"As a former Pemberton resident, I was inspired by my favourite memories of the village. I love to eat and grow some of my own food. I also mountain bike and snowboard and enjoy playing in the mountains. To me, Pemberton has every colour in the rainbow and I wanted the mural to incorporate all of these elements in some small and unique way,” says Petko reflecting on his design. “I have a blast painting large scale and really love making public art and talking to people of the community. What better way to brighten up the town than by leaving a beautiful colourful mural for locals and visitors alike?”