Turtle Island, essential workers, and others

in downtown Belleville (Ontario)

five cars parked in front of a large mural of a green shelled turtle walking beside a large body of water, many animals are on the turtle's back, fox, bear, deer, moose, wolf, bobcat, beaver, rabbit, many birds are flying around,

The mural was painted by Allan Bender, John Nobrega, and Stacey Kinder of Blinc Studios.

closer up view of the turtle's head and some of the animals, turtle's front feet are in the water

The name Turtle Island comes from creation stories told by a number of indigenous groups of North America. It represents North America (or the Earth).

animals in a street art mural, mother bear and cub, wolves, bobcat or cougar, beaver

There is another large mural in downtown Belleville. It is a much more literal representation of the city and includes a few of that city’s landmarks.

A mural with images of Belleville landmarks

below: The mural and the street it is trying to depict. The tall tower in the background is Belleville City Hall.

part of a mural with images of Belleville landmarks, Front Street, stores, cardinal

below: The white semi circle things on the right side are the Moira Bridge, an old double arched bridge built in 1930.

part of a mural with images of Belleville landmarks

below: Belleville water tower, a Monarch butterfly, the old train station, and the Quinte Skyway Bridge.

part of a mural with images of Belleville landmarks such as the water tower and a large bridge

below: A train pulls into the station. Artwork by Christopher Bennett.

And last, there are other paintings by Chris Bennett around Belleville including this tribute to Essential Workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.