Note from Muralist Steph Boutari: Klimt’s ‘The Kiss’ was a theme and source of inspiration for this mural. I wanted my design to reference the painting’s magical and romantic quality, patterning, and colour palette – but to still create something that felt unique, contemporary, and my own.

Installation Background: Encounters @ 365 Talbot is an interactive art installation by Maddie King and Andrew Gunn of young & free press. In August 2022, eighteen vintage mirrors were placed in the walkway at 365 Talbot Street in downtown St. Thomas, each one drawn from a different city or town in southern Ontario. The mirrors complement the stunning mural on-site by artist Stephanie Boutari. This is a managed installation, and the depth of the piece is meant to be revealed gradually. Logan Burns of Farmview Welding has assisted with the installation. This is an interactive art installation by Maddie King and Andrew Gunn in downtown St. Thomas. In August 2022, eighteen vintage mirrors were placed in the walkway at 365 Talbot Street, each one drawn from a different city or town in southern Ontario. The mirrors complement the stunning mural on-site by artist Stephanie Boutari. This is a managed installation, and the depth of the piece is meant to be revealed gradually.