Introducing Our First Public Art Installation at Steelport

We are pleased to announce an exciting initiative that brings public art to the entrance of Steelport, our 800-acre industrial development in Hamilton, ON.

In May, we converted a sea-can container into a mobile onsite office for our Steelport project team. Next to the new office, we situated four additional 20’x8’ sea-can containers, stacked in a 2×2 formation, to provide two prominent 20’x16’ canvases for local artists to create murals that capture the legacy of the Steelport site, our vision for its future, and the spirit of Hamilton and the surrounding community.

Today, we are proud to introduce the works of two Hamilton artists, Ver Sands and Lester Coloma, who have created vibrant and creative artscapes on our sea-can canvases. The artists were thoughtfully chosen based on their style, experience, ties to Hamilton, knowledge of the city’s history, and statement of interest. Through a two-phases approach, we chose two artists who proposed meaningful interpretations of the Steelport lands and captured our vision for its future.

“Steelport is about balancing the history of the site – acknowledging and celebrating its roots – while making clear that we are proposing something very new and different here,” said Steven Dejonckheere, Senior Vice President of Development at Slate, and project lead for Steelport.  “We have an exciting opportunity to incorporate new amenities and elements of art and culture into our plan for Steelport not only for new tenants and their employees but also for residents of Hamilton who haven’t had access to this part of the city in over a century. These murals created by local Hamilton artists are a first, small step toward transforming Steelport into a vibrant hub where people want to work and spend time.”

Meet the Artists

Artists Jacqui Oakley and Jamie Lawson, known as Ver Sands created the first mural, inspired by transformation, connection, exploration, growth, and the synthesis of nature / culture / industry in Hamilton. Ver Sands’ mural is emblematic of the plans for a creative communal space at Steelport. The artworks depict a fanciful, surreal landscape, with representations of flora and fauna and references to the natural and human-made landscapes. They nod to the rich history of Hamilton while incorporating the creative, communal spirit of the city as it grows toward the future.

“Steelport gave us the freedom to create something that will fit the area today and in the future. Working at this scale was a fun challenge, and the locale became a crucial source of inspiration as we painted. Working in elements of the chimneys and the interesting angles of the factory buildings morphing into natural elements. Also, illustrating the link to the waterfront and its nature, that Steelport will be bringing to the area. Our hope is that this artwork provides some excitement and joy for people who come across it, particularly in the early stages of the Steelport project, when the contrast between the containers and their surroundings is at its height.”

Lester Coloma, a community driven creative landscape artist in Hamilton, created the second mural, which depicts the evolution of Hamilton’s industrial area. Stack one narrates the historic past of 100 years of steelmaking, while stack two portrays a world-renowned center for innovation, commerce and hybrid living. Each mural tells a unique story, yet they are strongly unified by their composition, artistic technique, and creative execution. Together, they deliver a clear and meaningful message of steelmaking heritage and monumental transformation.

“The inspiration for my mural design stems from Slate’s commitment to honor the historic Stelco lands by integrating past industrial buildings, structures, and artifacts into its Steelport development. My concept features a scene from the steel-making process, prominently showcasing the laborers who contributed to Hamilton’s Steel Town legacy. Two blue-collar workers are boldly positioned in the foreground to commemorate the thousands of laborers from the past. By bringing the workers into the viewer’s space, the mural fosters an emotional connection and pride in the dedication that shaped Hamilton’s century-long steel-making history.”

Thank you to Ver Sands and Lester Coloma for showcasing their talent and contributing to a landmark project that will shape Hamilton’s future!

Visit thesteelport.com for more project updates.