Gracing the once blind wall of Antico Martini's restaurant at 6450 Somerled (at the corner of Cavendish) is now a joyful and vibrant mural of a lime and dark green tree whose flesh-toned roots turn into hands coming together. Bright yellow rays of sunshine jot out of both sides of the painting created by urban artist Peru Dyer. The mural is meant to celebrate diversity, something that is worth celebrating in a borough that boasts the highest multicultural residential population in all of Montreal.

The wall's owners are the Papayanatos family (dad Thomas and sons Georges and Jerry) who have owned and operated "Antico Martini" restaurant for the past 32 years. In stark contrast to some owners who don't like the idea of lending their property for such projects, these NDG businessmen were more than enthusiastic.

"They were involved with the sketch design and were very excited and generous from the get-go," says Elizabeth-Ann Doyle, one of the co-founders of MU.

To passersby who may not recognize the talent behind the socially conscious mural, it's important to familiarize West Enders with the name of Peru Dyer. Born and raised in Lima, Peru, until the age of 16, Dyer moved to Ottawa to study illustration and fine arts. Since graduating, this young Montrealer has made quite a name for himself by completing a number of urban murals all across Canada and taking part in over 20 exhibitions. He recently returned from exhibiting his work throughout Europe from Vienna to Barcelona. Having travelled extensively as a child (his father was a dirt-bike racer) Peru has always had a fascination and appreciation for nature and the environment and aims to showcase that through his art.

"We take our imagination for granted," he says, "but as an artist I feel I have a mission to educate and inspire." Fluent in both English and Spanish and also comfortable in French and Italian, Peru was a perfect choice to illustrate a mural celebrating this borough's multiculturism.

The idea of the "Diversitree" came to him when the theme of multiculturism was announced. "I didn't want to underestimate my audience and chose to draw something symbolic," says Dyer. "So far, the reactions have been quite positive, with people stopping me while I work to express support for it."

Georges Papayanatos agrees. "I think Peru did a fantastic job and I am proud to be associated with it. I think the mural blends in perfectly in this area and livens it up."

Georges was so involved in the project, he was instrumental in contributing the idea of adding herbs and spices in the mural. At the bottom, you can see sage, wild mint, basil and Jamaican pepper growing, symbolizing some of Montreal's many cultures.

"What makes each culture in Montreal unique? It's that special ingredient we add to the mix. A chicken is just a chicken until you add spices," explains Georges enthusiastically.

Mural arts programs certainly don't eradicate graffiti and vandalism, but they have been proven to offer a constructive and positive way for people to reclaim their neighborhoods and take pride in their surroundings.

"Public art allows people to stop what they're doing for a minute and just appreciate the finer things in life; it allows for some beauty in an urban jungle," concludes Dyer.

Montreal-based organization MU (from the French word 'mue' which means rejuvenation through the shedding of old skin) has helped breathe new life into many faded and neglected parts of our city and Peru Dyer's mural, full of colour and youthful energy, at the corner of Somerled and Cavendish, is sure to incite a reaction from local residents because good murals make public art approachable, tangible and relatable. Kudos to MU, the CDN-NDG borough, Mouvement Desjardins, Caisse Populaire NDG and the Papayanatos family for making this happen.