Melanie Ellery, a contemporary artist from Port Moody, BC, was inspired by the local cactus plants and their prickly pear fruit, fichi d’India, seeing in them a reflection of Sicilian resilience and endurance. Her mural incorporates the wall’s natural textures and extends playfully onto nearby stones, featuring hidden details such as a Canadian maple leaf, a Sicilian crest, and subtle messages. Known for her colourful, spontaneous abstract paintings full of movement, Melanie studied Illustration at Sheridan College and has a background in graphic design and art direction. As a founding member of the women’s collective 13 Feet Off the Ground, she has created murals across British Columbia and abroad, including residencies in Sicily and Mexico, sharing her vibrant artistic spirit with communities around the world.

Website

Google Map