MY COLLABORATION WITH THE MUNICIPALITY OF CHANIA. WHAT A GREAT START!
A representative from the Municipality of Chania saw a photo of one of my murals and wanted to meet. Many conversations later, we secured a prominent 10-metre high wall in the heart of the city and created the perfect design to paint on it. It depicts the figure of a man standing on top of buildings of ancient Kydonia, and it aims to show the fascinating history of the city in a highly visual and engaging way.
At this point I hadn’t seen my family or friends in six months and although I was enjoying my time in Chania, I missed them deeply. For now at least, it was time to leave. I agreed with the municipality that the project would take place within the next year; another reason to return, as if I needed one…! After half a year living in paradise I packed my bags and got on a plane back to Ireland. Sitting at home reflecting on this incredible experience, it hit me. I realised that I had fallen madly in love with the people, the architecture, the food, the weather and the lifestyle in Chania. I formed great new friendships and made many unforgettable memories. I craved nothing more than to be back there, enjoying everything the city has to offer. So, with some thought, we did what any couple would do amidst a global pandemic…and decided to buy a house in Crete! We searched online and spoke with our local friends and after a few months we finalised the purchase of a beautiful old stone home. It needed to be fully renovated, so we teamed up with an extremely talented group of engineers, architects and builders to assist us on the project. Our plan was falling perfectly into place. Now we will live in the city we love, and I can continue my work with the first big project for the municipality. What a great start.
I contacted the Municipality of Chania and told them I would be visiting soon to supervise the progress of the building, and that it is the perfect time to complete the mural too. Once again I began the now familiar journey back to Chania. We checked on the house, met our friends and ate in all our favorite food places. The city felt so much more like home now that we would be living there soon. For the municipal mural, I enlisted the help of two very talented street artists from Chania and after four long days in the sun we completed the first ever mural to be supported by the Municipality of Chania. It now sits proudly on Peridou St. for the people of the city and all its visitors to enjoy. Our first mural has received an overwhelmingly positive response, and we are currently working with the Municipality to secure a number of other prominent city centre walls to create a series of large-scale murals. It is our intent to create an interactive art trail within the city that showcases the fascinating stories of Greek mythology through highly engaging and educational pieces of street art.
As I adventure through the winding streets of Chania sparking my own special memories with the city’s magical characters; as I tickle my taste buds with tasty local treats and as I stare in amazement at the pure beauty of the buildings, I realise that in this City of Many Tales, my story is just beginning.
