By Fiona Donnellan

Sligo’s vibrant art and cultural scene is set to take a giant leap forward as The Canopy announces the commissioning of Northern Ireland-based visual artist Marian Noone, also known as Friz, for its highly anticipated mural project.

Known for her work exploring folklore, myths, and legends, Friz brings a unique artistic vision that reconnects people with cultural stories and formative memories.

This large-scale mural will serve as a stunning centrepiece on the ground floor of The Canopy, transforming the wall behind the glass cubes that host pop-up shops year-round. Friz’s talent for blending traditional and digital mediums will ensure that this mural not only enhances The Canopy but becomes a must-see attraction.

Friz said: “I am always so delighted for any reason to get back to Sligo, so to have such an exciting project to look forward to makes it even better. Very excited to add a splash of colour to The Canopy which is such an integral part of the town centre."

Before Friz begins her work, preparatory efforts will be undertaken to ensure the mural’s success. In the coming weeks, the glass cubes will be temporarily removed to allow for cleaning and refurbishment of the walls and windows behind them. This careful preparation will provide Friz with the perfect blank canvas to create her vision.

The mural is expected to be completed by March or April 2025. The transformation promises to bring an explosion of colour and creativity to Sligo town centre.

This project underscores The Canopy’s commitment to supporting the arts and fostering community engagement. With Friz’s exceptional talent and the stories her work tells, this mural will undoubtedly become a landmark for locals and visitors alike.

“We are beyond excited to work with Friz and bring her extraordinary vision to life at The Canopy,” said The Canopy team. “This mural will not only add to the space but also celebrate the rich cultural identity of our region.”

The Canopy invites everyone to follow the journey of this project. Keep an eye on their social media channels for updates and sneak peeks of this exciting collaboration.

Marian Noone, aka Friz, is a celebrated visual artist from Northern Ireland whose work delves into the folklore, myths, and legends that shape the cultural identity of a place. Using both traditional and digital mediums, Friz creates captivating visual narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. Her art inspires a journey of discovery, reconnecting people with their earliest and most formative memories.