02/24/2026
Community Rallies Behind Galt Arena’s Centennial Mural Project with $50,000 Milestone
Cambridge, ON — Community leaders, families, and local sports enthusiasts gathered at Galt Arena Gardens on February 22 to celebrate a major milestone for the Century of Creativity Sports Art Project, the Galt Arena mural project marking the arena’s 100-year anniversary in 2022, and reaching $50,000 in inaugural fundraising and officially moving the project into production.
With this milestone achieved, organizers announced that the first mural will feature the arena’s long-standing tradition of annual skating races, a beloved community event that reflects the inclusive, multi-generational spirit of the space.
The event brought together a distinguished group of speakers and supporters, including Jan Liggett, Mayor City of Cambridge; artist and arts advocate Jill Summerhayes; author, historian, and member of Cambridge Sports Hall of Fame Dave Menary; former City of Cambridge councillor Ben Tucci; Rob McIntosh, President and Owner of the Cambridge Redhawks and Cambridge Hornets; project coordinator Tamara Louks; and, lead artist Rick Murphy of D3 Artworks.
McIntosh captivated the audience by bringing the historic 1909 Allan Cup trophy and, alongside Menary, sharing stories of Galt-area teams including the Galt Terriers, Galt Hornets, and Cambridge Hornets who collectively claimed the Allan Cup four times, highlighting a remarkable legacy in Canadian hockey history. McIntosh also recounted a recent visit from Brendan Shanahan, Hockey Hall of Famer and former NHL executive, who was surprised to discover that Galt Arena Gardens is the oldest continuously operating hockey arena in the world and was so impressed by the public art murals that he stopped to take a photo.
Tamara Louks announced the project’s inaugural donor roster, marking the achievement of a key fundraising threshold. This early wave of generosity has propelled the Galt Arena mural project into its first phase of design development and production.
A particularly moving donor story was shared about the Koehler family, whose gift will honour Cathy Koehler through the mural, creating a lasting visual tribute that celebrates her generosity, leadership, and enduring impact on the Cambridge community.
Mayor Liggett addressed attendees with visible enthusiasm, celebrating the project as a powerful example of arts, sports, and community pride coming together. The event also recognized Liam Whelan, the campaign’s first donor, underscoring the grassroots momentum behind the initiative.
In addition to formal remarks, families and children participated in photo opportunities that will help inform preliminary sketches for the skating races themed mural. Lead artist Rick Murphy shared memories of THE FANS, the first mural he created at the arena 26 years ago, and spoke about his vision for the two new murals to come, guiding participants as they posed to capture the spirit and energy of the annual races.
The Galt Arena mural project is in partnership with the Cambridge Sports Hall of Fame and the City of Cambridge. It honours the deep heritage of Galt Arena and its sports legacy and creates a vibrant, large-scale public artwork highlighting local artists, athletes and sports fans, promoting community engagement through art.
