What People Are Saying

“The mural at Eccles has really transformed the space. The colours bring life to the building and make it feel brighter and more welcoming. It adds a sense of warmth and energy that wasn’t there before.

For the residents, it’s more than just a piece of art on the wall — it helps create an environment where people feel comfortable and at home. The vibrant colours and design give the space personality and make the building feel more alive. It’s amazing how something as simple as a mural can bring positivity and make everyone feel a little more welcome.

— Chantal Cadieux, Director of Supportive Housing Operations

“When I was first hired at Cornerstone and began visiting the different locations, I was immediately taken aback by the artwork that filled the walls at Princeton. I remember pausing during my tour just to take them all in. The murals were captivatingly beautiful and gave off a deep sense of joy and warmth. … Now, three years into my role as a frontline worker, I hold a permanent position at our newest Eccles location, where we are blessed enough to have her artwork greet everyone from the main floor. I often see people who walk through our doors pause for a moment to look at her work, admire it and seemingly immersed in that same feeling. Her artistry has become a true Cornerstone staple not just decorating our space but continues to elicit emotion that softens even the hardest of days.”

- Shay Clarke- Support worker at Eccles

“ [Canto]has done numerous murals for Princeton for offices, the halls and our common space. Her works are so beautifully detailed and really allows for the spaces they are in to become more welcoming and vibrant. They have become a must-see piece of Princeton and anyone who comes to visit or moves-in always comments on how incredible they are and how they bring the spaces together

- Liz Matassa, Support Worker, Princeton, Cornerstone Housing for Women

“ The murals created by [Canto] makes the spaces at Princeton, Eccles and Booth Housing residences come to life, each with their own personality. All of the murals are incredible, each with a story to be told.

To me the hands coming together with flowers blooming out of them at Eccles symbols welcoming hands from our staff, volunteers and the community; and the stability that comes from support; and the flowers symbolize the growth and beauty of the residents. It also brightened up the all way and makes for a welcoming space.

The purple toned wall with flowers and positive message at Booth residence really symbolized our commitment to our gender nonconforming residents, “they said they could and they did”. The purple, our Cornerstone colours, but also a rich, bright colour that brings an empowering and welcoming feel to our dining area – where a lot of the resident action happens and really reflects the strength and beauty of our residents and community. The mountain scenery in the TV lounge area, really brings a peaceful feel to the space, a space of calmness a place to relax.

And Princeton, where her murals really took off – the basement has come to life in so many ways and throughout the building as well. The murals truly reflect the personality of the residents that live there, from the dog mural in the computer space, to the mural she created with Minwaashin that shows the turtle and the medicine wheel to represent our Indigenous residents, to the portraits of inspiring women. They each tell a story and Nicole has brought it to life in her paintings and showcased the diversity of our residents through the colour she uses, to the types of murals she paints.

It’s truly incredible and she’s not only brightened up the space but her art has created healing through her design and reminded us of the beauty and strength of community.”

- Amber Bramer, Director of Development and Communications, Cornerstone Housing For Women

“ Seeing the Princeton walls decorated with beautiful women from around the world is one of the most striking and welcoming things anyone notices when they walk into the building—whether they are visiting, volunteering, touring, or arriving here for the first time. The mural has completely transformed the space, bringing so much life, color, and positive energy into the building. Residents and staff comment on it all the time and truly appreciate the creativity behind it. [Canto] was thoughtful and professional throughout the process and really took the time to understand what the space needed. It’s more than just art on a wall—it makes the entire environment feel warmer, more vibrant, and welcoming.”

-  Sandeep Kaur, Case Manager, Cornerstone Housing For Women

“The mural added something really special to our Princeton building. It brightens the space and gives people something positive to look at every day. [Canto] is such a humble personality to work with, respectful of the space, and clearly passionate about the work. You can see the care and creativity that went into every detail.”

-  Shivangi Gupta, Case Manager, Cornerstone Housing For Women

“Since the mural was completed, the atmosphere in the space feels completely different. It’s vibrant, uplifting, and people genuinely stop to admire it. [Canto] really brought a beautiful vision to life. It’s amazing how art can change the feeling of a place so much.

-  Keerat Aujla , Support Worker, Cornerstone Housing For Women

“[Canto’s] murals at Cornerstone Housing for Women at the Princeton location are a powerful reminder that art can create connection and healing. The mural transforms the space into one of inspiration and community, celebrating the strength of women around the world. It brings warmth and hope to a place dedicated to rebuilding lives, reminding tenants every day that their stories, voices, and resilience matter.”

-  Jacquie Richards , Residence Manager Princeton, Cornerstone Housing For Women

“[Canto’s] murals are fun, innovative, and thoughtful. Her ability to take a vision and turn it into reality is truly remarkable. [Canto] has an enormous amount of raw talent and natural instinct coupled with fine arts training at Ottawa University. She is able to execute anything from photo realism to cartoons flawlessly. Her talent is evident in the way it brightens the faces of everyone who is lucky enough to walk past them at Princeton..”

-  Brittany Hagely , Case Manager Princeton, Cornerstone Housing For Women

Testimonials

“(Canto’s) artwork has completely transformed our spaces, bringing more than just colourful murals to our walls but also emotion, personality, stories and life to our supportive houses; making it feel like home.”

What People Are Saying