Progressive Pride Flag Installation

Created by Humanity Art: Lys Glassford and Lauren Semple.

Project Overview
In 2022, Save-On-Foods Parksville commissioned Humanity in Art to design and install a progressive pride flag mural on the elevated glass façade of their storefront. The initiative aimed to visibly demonstrate allyship toward the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, offering both employees and customers a welcoming and affirming visual statement.
This was the second collaboration between Humanity in Art and store manager Matt, whose commitment to inclusion and public expression had previously resulted in a successful mural project at the Woodgrove location in Nanaimo.

Technical Challenges
The raised glass wall presented several logistical challenges. The surface was treated with anti-dust sprays and bore residue from mechanical operations, requiring specialized preparation. Painting on glass also required paint layering to maintain opacity while avoiding unwanted texture buildup. The site conditions, limited space on a scissor lift and exposure to extreme heat, added to the complexity of the install.

Creative Outcome
The final installation featured bold, horizontal bands of color representing the progressive pride flag. Visible from the street and parking area, the mural served as both a symbolic gesture and a declaration of Save-On-Foods Parksville’s values. Staff and community feedback reflected a strong sense of connection to the design and appreciation for its public visibility.

For Humanity in Art, the project was personally meaningful, an opportunity to create art grounded in lived experience while contributing to a more inclusive public environment.