Transformation (The Welcoming Ottawa Mural)

This artwork is directly inspired by Welcoming Ottawa Week, an annual event celebrating the city's hospitality toward global newcomers. The mural itself encourages residents to embrace differences and collaborate to build a stronger Ottawa. Its symbolism is rich: butterflies, representing transformation and endurance, feature diverse eyes for compassion and openness. Colored dots signify the four elements and life stages, while blue shapes denote flexibility and adaptation, similar to the flow of water and air. Maple leaves establish the Canadian context and their changing colors reflect the welcoming of diversity. This complex piece, made up of 68 pieces, was created by Colombian-Canadian artist Claudia Salguero in partnership with many newcomers, long-term residents, and the special involvement of Algonquin artists.

(Source: mural plaque, adapted for ottawalls)