Last May, our little neighbourhood made national news by painting over 100 telephone poles with bright, bold, colourful designs. There were loads of news stories, inquiries, discussions, and much praise for this collaborative, neighbour-driven project. Hundreds of volunteers gave their energy, time, and imagination to transform our streets. Other neighbourhoods have started to join in on the fun; painted poles are popping up everywhere.
Let’s do it again! Get your smock ready and ponder your dream design; you and your friends are invited to take part in the 2nd Fernwood Pole Painting Project, on May 26th. Since last year’s event was so much fun, how could we resist doing it all over again? Emily Grav of The Paint Box School of Art, Beth Threlfall, and Fernwood NRG are coming together to bring you not just a day but a whole week of paint-a-pole greatness.
Design and Stencil Making Workshop
Tuesday, May 22nd from 6:00pm – 8:00pm – NOTE: Date changed due to long weekend
Fernwood Community Centre (1240 Gladstone Avenue)
To start, Emily Grav of the Paint Box School of Art will be hosting a Design and Stencil Making Workshop on May 22nd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Fernwood Community Centre. She will teach you how to get the creative juices flowing and make a stencil for your pole. It’s free and you can pick up your Pole Painting Kit at the workshop. People of all artistic abilities are encouraged to come. This year, there will not be any pre-made stencils provided, so this is a great opportunity to create your own.
Pole Painting Kit Pick-up
All the supplies you need to paint a beautiful telephone pole!
Tuesday, May 22nd to May 25th anytime between 9:30am – 5 pm
Fernwood NRG Outreach Office (1313 Gladstone Avenue)
If you can’t make it to the workshop, you can pick-up your Pole Painting Kit at 1313 Gladstone Avenue during the week of May 22nd to 25th between 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m..The kit will include instructions, paint, signage, and more. You are welcome to use these materials and/or bring your own materials (e.g. brushes, smock, etc.). There will only be 100 available so come early so you don’t miss out. If any are left over, they will be available in Fernwood Square at 10:00am on May 26th.
2nd Annual Fernwood Pole Painting Project
Saturday, May 26th – all day
Celebration BBQ happening in Fernwood Square from 12:00pm to 2:00pm – FREE
Finally May 26th has come; it’s the day to paint your pole. Get up, brush your teeth, get your painting clothes on, and get all your supplies ready.
Step 1: Find a pole in Fernwood – Look for a pole that has not been painted; try Stanley Avenue, Pembroke Street, Chambers Street, and Grant Street. It would be best to scope it out before May 26th.
Step 2: Put down your drop cloth – You can use old newspaper, or a tarp to protect the ground from splatters and splashes.
Step 3: Prime your pole – Use a dark, neutral colour. This is important because it will give you a clean canvas and will make your colours pop. Wait until it is dry! This takes about 2-3 hours. If you prime the pole earlier in the week, you can skip this step.
Step 4: Paint your pole – Be creative, have fun and remember to keep your paint afterwards for touch ups. See ‘How to Guide’ below.
Step 5: Clean up – You are responsible for cleaning up ALL your supplies. Take everything with you and dispose of it responsibly. Do NOT leave paint there. Take it home with you.
Finally, remember to meet in Fernwood Square between noon and 2:00 p.m. on May 26th for a free Pole Painting BBQ Celebration. There will be food, drinks, music, and bubbles!
Other Important Info
If you plan on painting the pole in front of your house, post a sign on it on May 26th that says, “This pole has an artist.” If you would rather have the pole near your house blank, please post a sign on it on May 26th that says, “I am beautiful the way I am, please leave me blank.” There will be signs available for pick-up at 1313 Gladstone Avenue during Pole Painting week.
Do not attach anything that extends out from the pole or dig into the pole. BC Hydro has kindly allowed us to do this project as long as their employees are still able to climb the poles without anything blocking their way.
Here is a How to Guide if you would like to paint a pole:
In the words of pole painter extraordinaire, Beth Threlfall, “This project brings great depth and soul to our neighbourhood.” Our goal this year is to painting an additional 100 telephone poles in Fernwood. Don’t forget to take a walk and be inspired by what other people have done.
Fernwoodians paint your poles!
