New Public Art Banners Welcome You Home

New banners inspired by Surrey’s “Love Where You Live” campaign

Surrey, BC – Surrey Public Art is excited to share Ejiwa ‘Edge’ Ebenebe’s artwork titled “Welcome Home” with the community. Ebenebe’s artwork was selected for the 2020 public art street banners and inspired by Surrey’s successful Love Where You Live campaign.

Each year the Public Art Program commissions a unique design to be featured on over 100 street poles near significant cultural destinations in the City, such as the Surrey Arts Centre, Newton Cultural Centre, Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre (Urban Screen venue), South Surrey Recreation and Arts Centre, as well as the City Centre Library. Public art street banners enhance the experience of the streetscape for drivers, cyclists, transit riders and pedestrians.

Ejiwa ‘Edge’ Ebenebe is a Nigerian-Canadian artist and illustrator based in BC. As an immigrant artist she explores concepts of community and identity, with the roots of her culture and heritage weaving themselves throughout each piece she creates. Her art demonstrates a love for the whimsical, ethereal visions of fairy tales and folk stories she grew up immersed in, while also striving to include the representation of Black and LGBTQ+ women’s voices.

Ebenebe has a passion for rich, vibrant colour and elaborate ornamentation, and one of her goals is to create art that uplifts and brings light and joy to people’s lives. Her design combines Surrey’s urban setting with its lush natural landscape, including the Red Osier Dogwood and Red Columbine flowering plants and trees. “I believe a major element of loving one’s city is wanting to preserve, nurture and sustain it,” she says.