The Bathurst / Lawrence Mosaic Mural

Almonds and Wine

An animated film
 produced, directed
and animated
by Arnie Lipsey

Almonds and Wine brings a Yiddish folk song to life, as the journey of a young bride and groom from Eastern Europe to North America is set to rollicking klezmer music.

The film was the popular choice for the mural theme, among those that attended the screening of Jewish animated films curated by Madi Pillar of the Toronto Animated Image Society at Barbara Frum Branch, Toronto Public Library in April 2009.

Click here to watch Almonds and Wine on YouTube.

In 2007, City of Toronto Councillor Howard Moscoe proposed integrating public art into street improvements on Bathurst Street, south of Lawrence Avenue. City funding was allocated to the project and Mural Routes was engaged to coordinate and guide the project.

Cristina Delago was chosen as the mosaic artist through an RFP and Jury process to create the artwork. She worked closely with filmmaker Arnie Lipsey to select the images from his animated film "Almonds and Wine" to tell a story in mosaic.

Delago worked for five months in her studio using a base of cement panels and a mix of porcelain tiles, glass and handcrafted porcelain pieces to depict the animated film in colourful mosaic. The panels were installed by the artist with a professional team on site in two days. Once in place, the panels were grouted and received a final coat of sealer.

On August 15, 2010, Councillor Howard Moscoe invited members of the community to participate in the unveiling of the beautification project. It was a moving moment when the covers were removed to reveal the lovely, mosaic art work.

Click here to see a slideshow of the mural on the day of unveiling.


Mural Map of Canada  |  International Murals  |  Member Directory  |  Archives  |  Resources  |  About Us   |  Join Now

Mural Routes Inc. • 1859 Kingston Road, Toronto, ON • M1N 1T3 • Phone: 416-698-7995 • Fax: 416-698-7972 • Email

Copyright Mural Routes Inc. 2004