Artists have turned the hoarding closing up Kimprints in Gastown's old Hotel Europe into murals paying tribute to COVID-19 public-health heroes.

Earlier this week, the owner of the longtime art, gift, and custom-framing shop Kim Briscoe had put out a call to anyone who wanted to paint frontline workers on the boards. Like other retailers, it had to close the location temporarily due to social distancing measures.

The results are popping up on Instagram this week, including artist Breece Austin's depiction of Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, and Abi Taylor's painting of Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer. Odes to doctors and nurses are reportedly to come.

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