A series of downtown buildings in Shaunavon will be getting facelifts with the work of several world-class artists this summer.

During the inaugural South West Mural Fest, a collection of renowned painters will each be assigned an exterior wall of select buildings near Centre Street, adding their flair to a theme of community, mental health and positivity.

Organizer of the event, Andrew Robertson, is a contemporary oil painter who recently added an original piece to the Shaunavon Plaza Theatre.

"These are world-class artists that we're bringing in, so I'm super excited to have them come to town," he said. "We're not just putting up any old murals. These are going to be murals that hopefully will bring people off of the Number 1 Highway to come see Shaunavon and increase tourism and economic development in the area."

The idea for the festival sprouted when Robertson was invited to participate in something similar in Medicine Hat, Alta. last year. His ambition to bring something of near magnitude to his own community is coming to fruition soon, lining up with the beloved Boomtown Days running July 17 through 21.

However, there are still some small hurdles to conquer. South West Mural Fest is still accepting sponsorships until July 1 and has partnered with the Town of Shaunavon to provide charitable receipts to anyone who wishes to support the event.

"South West Mural Fest is hosting [the artists]," Robertson explained. "We'll be providing accommodations, food and materials as well as we're paying the artists."

Sponsorship tiers are bronze at $1,000, gold for $2,000, and platinum is $3,000 and up. 

Artist biographies and works can be found on the festival's Instagram or Facebook pages.

"I really want people to be able to come and enjoy watching the artists paint," he added. "And see these literally internationally acclaimed artists come to Shaunavon/ It's just it's wonderful."