For many Hamilton Tiger-Cat fans, Angelo Mosca is a legend who's come to symbolize what it is to be a Ticat.

And now, thanks to local street artist Scott McDonald, Mosca's profile has grown to even greater heights - literally.

McDonald, a former graffiti king who parlayed his love of painting into a career creating striking murals, is currently working on his tribute to the beloved Ticat.

"I decided I wanted to do something that represents an iconic Hamilton figure, and I couldn't think of a better person than Angelo Mosca," says McDonald.

Local artist Scott McDonald is painting a massive mural of Hamilton Tiger Cat legend Angelo Mosca on the side of a building at John and Hunter Streets. | Barry Gray, The Hamilton Spectator

The larger-than-life player will soon dominate the northeast wall of a building at the corner of John and Hunter streets. Once the building's owner - former Tiger-Cat Pete Dyakowski - signed off, McDonald began re-creating a classic photo of the feared lineman in his heyday.

The painting is a labour of love for the artist. "I grew up with my parents watching every game. It's a big part of the city," says McDonald. The mural, done using spray paint, will take roughly 30 hours or so to complete.

Once completed, McDonald will turn his attention to the city's first Concrete Canvas event, where 85 street artists, both local and from around the world, will converge on Hamilton July 12 to 14 to showcase their unique artistic skills. Several local businesses have agreed to have their walls covered with colourful art; as well, a concrete wall at Woodlands Park at Barton and Wentworth streets will be transformed.

McDonald hopes the event will continue and grow to rival Supercrawl, giving local artists a needed outlet.

Ambitious? Not for a guy who is used to seeing the big picture.

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bgray@thespec.com

905-526-2463 | @_barrygray_