Constellations of Care

Sourced from The Glebe BIA at https://intheglebe.ca/ongoing-projects/2026-mural/, this mural celebrates the shared experiences that shape life in the Glebe and across Ottawa by highlighting the interconnected communities that exist all around us. The composition brings together imagery of local flora, fauna, and everyday neighbourhood moments to reflect the rhythms, relationships, and cycles that define this place.

At the heart of the mural are magnolia blossoms—an iconic feature found along the Glebe’s streets each spring. Their blooms serve as a symbol of renewal, growth, and the seasonal rhythms that bring the community together year after year. This theme of growth is echoed throughout the design, including a subtle visual nod to the concentric patterns of tree rings, representing the passage of time, resilience, and the layers of shared experiences that build a community over generations.

The mural also features a community of mallards, a familiar and recognizable presence across Ottawa, alongside scenes of daily life such as children walking to school, families gardening together, and neighbours playing soccer. These moments reflect the many forms that community takes—among people, within ecosystems, and across the spaces we share.

Expanding outward, the imagery gestures toward broader systems of connection, referencing communities of trees, people, and even stars and solar systems. By weaving together these elements, the mural reflects the idea that growth and belonging exist at many scales—from blooming flowers and the quiet record of tree rings to the collective life of a neighbourhood.

Through vibrant colour, flowing forms, and layered symbolism, the mural aims to create a joyful visual landmark that celebrates growth, connection, and the living fabric of the Glebe community.

“Welcome” is featured along the bottom of the mural in English, French and Algonquin languages to signal the essence of this piece and to offer a greeting to those who encounter this mural during their time in the Glebe.

You can find out more about the mural by watching this video, provided by The Glebe BIA, here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m5HHL9kI6M