Girls & Enby Mural Camp 2024 was a big success! Read on to learn more about this exciting community arts program.
About Girls & Enby Mural Camp
Girls & Enby Mural Camp (GEMC) is a free summer arts program for youth between the ages of 14-18 who self-identify as young women, girls, or non-binary. Through a combination of in-class learning and at-home practice, participants of this camp explore the history of street art, graffiti and murals, and develop their own individual artistic style. The camp always culminates in a collaborative mural that the campers create with their fellow campers and the guidance of renowned street artists!
The 2024 camp took place from August 12-16, and was led by artist and muralist, Monica Wickeler. This year also welcomed on a new, exciting program partner, Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre! Our 2024 youth artists completely transformed a huge wall outside of 80 Blake Street (provided by our partners at Toronto Community Housing). Go see it in person to check it out yourself!
Camp Process Photos
About the GEMC 2024 Mural – Youth Artist Statement
This 2024 mural was created by fourteen youth members from the east end of Toronto, and is titled, “Where The Heart Is”. This mural represents the heart of each artist that was involved in its creation, and is a view into our imaginations —taking inspiration from nature, the community, and each other. Upon learning to use aerosol and traditional paints, every artist incorporated different themes, painting window-like portals into new worlds. From views of fantastical castles and universes, to scenes of real places some have visited, this piece conveys the various perspectives and hearts of the 2024 GEMC artists and how they came together to share with the community.
Thank you to our talented group of youth artists from the 2024 camp!
Final Mural Photos
About the Lead Artist
MONICA WICKELER
Also known as monica on the moon in the public art industry. When Monica isn’t found on tip-toes at the top of scaffolding or balancing a ladder just so to reach the top corner of a mural, she can be found sharing her joy of mural/street art with public school students and sharing how it can transform a community or forgotten space in the most beautiful way.
Monica is a trained visual artist who has worked in the large scale painting industry in Toronto for many years. In outdoor advertising as a mural artist and in the film and television industry as a scenic painter. More recently she can be found reclaiming community spaces with her vibrant public art. Painting community murals in playgrounds, on wading pools, in pedestrian laneways, on construction hoarding and on just about anything that stays still long enough.
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