August 9, 2010

Jessey Pacho, graffiti artist, youth mentor and coordinator of mural projects for youth at Flemingdon Neighbourhood Services unveiled a new mural at Sushi Sky, 478 Yonge Street. The site of the mural is opposite the Ontario Coroner's Office at 25 Grenville Street, the final stop on the Highway of Heroes for returning soldiers killed in the line of duty.

"The main theme that we're trying to represent in the mural is respect for the families of the soldiers that have fallen, as well as peace and hope," says Jessey. "The main images in the mural are a dove, the Canadian flag, a road representing the Highway of Heroes, and soldier silhouettes saluting the fallen soldiers."

Constable Scott Mills, Toronto Police Social Media Officer/Legal Graffiti Art Coordinator, had the idea of painting a mural on the Highway of Heroes and connected Jessey with the owner of Sushi Sky who was open to replacing the graffiti vandalism with a graffiti mural for fallen soldiers.

"Jessey went back to the kids at Flemingdon Park, told them and his bosses about the idea," says Constable Mills. "They came up with the concept together as part of their summer employment as graffiti mural artist."

Flemingdon Neighbourhood Services gratefully acknowledges the City of Toronto for supporting the mural project for youth and Constable Scott Mills for creating the opportunity to paint the mural.