A unique canvas painted by a local artist has garnered attention and added cheer to an Oak Bay neighbourhood.

Haren Vakil recently completed a large painting on the garage door of Oak Bay residents Ali and Rhett Peterson. The garage door, which faces a well-used walking and cycling path known as Henderson alleyway, has been putting smiles on the faces of passersby.

B次元官网网址淲e are big fans of his artwork, and he is an old family friend,B次元官网网址� said Ali Peterson. B次元官网网址淗e designed and painted it with the assistance of my husband who feels very fortunate to have been part of the process. Both the experience and the final product are real gifts.B次元官网网址�

When the Petersons purchased the house a few years ago, there was a mural already on the garage door. Unfortunately, an electrical fire in the garage last summer led to its demise. When they replaced the door, they knew they wanted to do something creative with it.

B次元官网网址淲e couldnB次元官网网址檛 think of anyone weB次元官网网址檇 rather have to do something artistic for us than Haren,B次元官网网址� said Peterson. B次元官网网址淲e have his art all over our house and we just love his style B次元官网网址� the colours, how funky and unique it is. IB次元官网网址檝e also grown up with it so it is sort of a comforting and cheerful vibe for me.B次元官网网址�

Originally from Mumbai, India, 78-year-old Vakil met Ali PetersonB次元官网网址檚 parents when they were all attending UBC.

B次元官网网址淭hey all had kids at the same time and we grew up together. I grew up with his art all around me,B次元官网网址� said Peterson. B次元官网网址淓very time you look at a piece it makes you smile. There are always cool little things hidden in the work.B次元官网网址�

Although the garage isnB次元官网网址檛 his typical type of project he graciously agreed to do it, said Peterson.

B次元官网网址淗e continues to make art all the time. He has a show coming up at the Gage Gallery starting Sept. 11 and heB次元官网网址檚 also a regular at the Moss Street Paint-In.B次元官网网址�

Until then, feel free to wander down Henderson alleyway to see the unique canvas with the family portrait of the Petersons.

B次元官网网址滻t represents the family B次元官网网址� me, my husband, and two shades of greens for the two boys,B次元官网网址� said Peterson. B次元官网网址淲e feel very fortunate to have it and we all love it.B次元官网网址�