Holly McKay, an artist and graphic designer based in Atlantic Canada, recently made headlines with her vibrant mural on the exterior of the new Irving Oil retail location in Rochester. The piece, inspired by the city’s historic district, was donated to the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts and added to the city’s public art map.
McKay was delighted to have her work featured on such a prominent platform. “This painting brings my vision of the city to life – reflecting the vibrancy and color of it all,” she explained. Rochester’s Planning & Development Director, Shanna B. Saunders, was equally impressed, calling the piece “poignant and colorful and so representative of the Rochester we all know and love!”
An Irving Oil spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting local artists and communities. “We were thrilled to work with Holly to include her beautiful artwork on our newest retail location,” they said. “And we’re equally excited to donate the original piece to the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts, where it can be enjoyed by residents and visitors for years to come.”
Matt Wyatt, founder of the RMFA, echoed this sentiment. “We believe that residents and visitors to the city will appreciate the work Irving has done to include public art,” he said. “We are so grateful that they decided to donate the original piece to our collection. It will be a welcomed addition to the museum, and we look forward to sharing it with the community.”
Through her art, McKay has helped to create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Rochester. Her work serves as a testament to the power of art to bring people together and inspire positive change in communities.