A mural is in the making that spans the history of St George’s from its discovery by Juan de Bermudez in 1505 right up to the year 2000 when the town gained its status as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Graphic designer and emerging mural artist Shanna Hollis designed the detailed artwork in King’s Square, which was commissioned by the Bermuda Tourism Authority in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Ms Hollis sketched the original artwork and projected it on to a wall.

Her brother Nahshon Hollis, also an artist, and Tiffany Sunga have helped to paint over the projected image while locals who frequent the square have also helped.

Ms Hollis gave special thanks to Dwayne Signor who helped with equipment.

Ms Hollis made her name in mural painting in a collaboration with Kendra Earl commemorating Flora Duffy’s 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medal.

She is also part of a BTA collaboration with Travel & Leisure magazine showcasing murals in New York with Bermuda artists Nhuri Bashir and Alshanté Foggo [see panel].

Ms Hollis told The Royal Gazette: “It has been phenomenal. The BTA approached me and asked if I could create a mural that tells the history of St George’s. I took that as the parish so included St David’s.

“I wanted it to be clear, bold and impactful. It’s in the style of Bauhaus and coming out of the Art Deco period. A lot of 1940s-era posters used colour, bold typography and simple imagery. I liked the fact it told the story directly and quickly. I wanted our history to be inviting and engaging for others."

Among the historic figures included in the mural are Sir George Somers, an English privateer and naval leader who founded Bermuda; James “Jemmy” Darrell, one of the first King's pilots, and Sally Bassett, an African woman from Bermuda who was enslaved and burnt at the stake for attempting to poison her granddaughter’s slaveholders.

There are also depictions of emancipation and Cup Match, the civil rights movement, Gombey Dancers, Native American culture, the Railway Trail and the airport.

“I used writings published by local Bermudians that told different stories, stories of emancipation, slavery and heritage,” Ms Hollis said.

“Sharing stories and history, and making these writings, documents and forms of literature, is important as the next generation can pass that on and discover things that are not so mainstream, not blindly taught.

“I do want to add that there is so much history that is not shown in this mural but it was hard to squeeze everything in. I encourage more art in public spaces and the storytelling of our culture and heritage.”

The mural is expected to be completed by the weekend and has been about 2½ weeks in the making.

Tashae Thompson, the vice-president of experiences at the BTA hopes the mural will serve a cultural and educational purpose.

She said: “The mural is part of a strategic place-making initiative to ensure that the historic town remains not only a treasure of the past but also a dynamic, engaging space for the present.

“The project supports the National Tourism Plan’s innovation pillar that challenges us to think like a visitor and create experiences that meet the interests of today’s travellers.

“Ms Hollis worked alongside cultural heritage experts Charlotte Andrews and Kristin White to integrate cultural and historical elements. Visitors can connect with Bermuda’s history in a modern context, creating a memorable encounter that resonates with people of all ages.”