Progressive Pride Flag Mural: Duncan

Created by Humanity Art: Lys Glassford and Lauren Semple.

Project Overview
In summer 2022, Save-On-Foods Duncan commissioned Humanity in Art to install a window mural featuring the Progressive Pride Flag along the store’s storefront glass, adjacent to the in-store Starbucks. The goal was to create a bold public-facing symbol of acceptance, inclusion, and 2SLGBTQIA+ visibility, positioned to be seen clearly from the street and to foster a sense of community among both staff and patrons.

Environmental & Technical Challenges
The mural surface presented several practical constraints. The location, storefront glazing in a high-traffic retail environment, required hand painting with materials suitable for glass and ongoing exposure. Additional challenges included residue from mechanical doors, window coatings, and interruptions during active business hours. Humanity in Art selected a vertical orientation to ensure the flag’s visibility and presence from street level.
The team navigated setbacks during execution, including supply shortages and paint adhesion issues. Rather than postpone work, adjustments were made on site, allowing for continued progress and ensuring that the mural remained true to its vision.

Artistic Response
The completed installation featured the full spectrum of the Progressive Pride Flag rendered in vertical bands of vibrant colour. Though modest in footprint, the mural delivered high visibility and emotional resonance, serving as both an artistic gesture and a community statement.

Throughout the painting process, interaction with passersby became a vital part of the experience. Conversations, questions, and words of support turned the worksite into an open dialogue, amplifying the project’s aim to unite through creativity.

Outcomes
The mural helped define Save-On-Foods Duncan as an affirming and inclusive space and added to a growing regional portfolio of artwork reflecting diverse identities and values. Humanity in Art’s ongoing collaboration with Save-On-Foods management underscores the role of corporate partners in championing public art that celebrates acceptance.