Murals in Motion: Clinton’s Animated Mural Tour

Clinton is breathing new life into their historic downtown core, with a new animated mural tour, featuring both new and renewed public murals across town. The vibrant murals come to life before your eyes through the magic of modern technology, accessed easily through your smartphone via nearby mounted QR code plaques.

The mural project, conceived by Angela Smith, Community Improvement Coordinator for the Municipality of Central Huron, features eight murals in various locations across town. Five of the murals are from the late prolific artist and muralist, Allen Hilgendorf, whose works have been digitally restored and re-illustrated by Belmore-based restoration artist, Bevin Finlay. 

Hilgendorf’s original murals are a comforting and familiar sight for Huron County locals, as his works have adorned public walls across the county (and province!) for decades. Seeing his charming, sentimental pieces honoring local history be restored and refreshed for future generations to enjoy and appreciate is truly heartwarming for a local like myself, as his murals are now truly a fixture of the community.

In addition to Hilgendorf’s warm, nostalgic murals, Clinton has also recently seen the addition of several new murals in various styles – from the whimsical, storybook-inspired downtown mural from award-winning, Toronto-based artist Jasmin Pannu (www.jasminpannu.com) with help from local students, to the colourful, hip, Instagram-worthy designs from local artist Abi Bos of Erratic Art World.

Accessing the brief, looping animations is free and very easy; it requires only a smartphone and a little mobile data. Simply scan the QR code with your phone and you’ll be prompted to download the Artivive app. Aiming your phone camera at the mural (landscape works best) will trigger the animation to play on your screen. The animations include dynamic movements, historically accurate sounds, images, and additional nuggets of local history, including authentic photographs, postcards and ephemera. 

Angela Smith, the artists, and collaborators were committed to authenticity in the details. For example, the restored Hilgendorf 1925 Old Boys Reunion mural animation includes original photographs of the real event, from the collection of Jane Groves, taken by her mother, Mrs. Mervyn Batkin.

Clinton’s Animated Mural Tour is easy to enjoy on your own at your leisure, and it also makes a terrific addition to Clinton’s Historic Downtown Walking Tour (audio tour available online at izi.travel). The next time you’re in town for the Racetrack or the Spring Fair, be sure to see every one of these beautiful murals and their lively animations. 

For more information about the murals, their history, and the artists, visit tourismcentralhuron.ca or cchbia.ca/mural-tour.