August 31, 2026 – Artwork by local artist, Mark Nisenholt, is helping to beautify two intersections across Thunder Bay. The installations are located at Arthur Street and Waterloo Street, and Court Street and Park Avenue.

Nisenholt was selected through a National Open Call to Artists coordinated by the City of Thunder Bay's Public Art Program in 2024. The artist submitted original designs that have been installed as graphic vinyl wraps on intersection traffic signal boxes. Located in high pedestrian traffic areas, the installations enhance the streetscape while bringing public art into residents' everyday experiences.

"Public art helps create vibrant, welcoming spaces and encourages people to engage with their surroundings in new ways," said Laurie Abthorpe, Supervisor of Cultural Development, Community Programming & Events. "These installations have transformed everyday infrastructure into colourful community assets. We've received very positive feedback, and it's rewarding to see residents stopping to appreciate and talk about the artwork."

The installations support the City’s Smart Growth Action Plan, specifically the Attraction Pillar, which focuses on creating vibrant, welcoming spaces that enhance quality of life, support tourism, and strengthen Thunder Bay’s identity. The project advances key Attraction Pillar actions, including City-Wide Beautification and Recreation & Tourism Attractions.

Project funding was provided by the City of Thunder Bay and the Clean Green and Beautiful Committee Emerging Projects Fund and is a collaboration between the Public Art Committee, the Recreation & Culture Division and the Infrastructure & Operations Department.

For more information please visit thunderbay.ca/publicart.

 

 

 

Contact: Brayden Cassidy – Community Program Developer, brayden.cassidy@thunderbay.ca or (807) 630-5360