Moose Jaw Families for Change is closing out a month of celebrating positive partnerships with the unveiling of a new mural on South Hill, specially created by local artist Jason Gillard.
The mural, which is Gillard’s recreation of Gustav Klimt's “The Lady in Gold,” is displayed on the side of the Kinsmen Inclusion Centre. It is meant to represent both the MJFFC’s positive community partnerships and appreciation for their South Hill neighbourhood.
“I just love ‘The Lady in Gold’ and I thought it kind of represented Families for Change and, in a sense, what they do. It’s unique, it’s colourful, it’s vibrant and that’s what they do here every day,” said Gillard. “And there’s a lot of amazing artists in Moose Jaw, a lot of amazing murals, so I wanted to do something that was just a little bit different than what’s been done before.”
MJFFC has been sharing its appreciation for community partners on Facebook all through September, which is Friendship Month, including naming local supporters like Gillard, Kyra Klassen from The Strong Studio and local photographer Rob Hoskins.
“Families for Change obviously holds our friendships very close,” said MJFFC program coordinator Mariah Horsnall.
MJFFC approached Gillard last year and asked if he’d be interested in creating something for the side of their building, to brighten up the corner and attract passers-by to South Hill.
“I don’t think there’s a lot of art pieces on South Hill, so it's definitely awesome that we can be a building that has something as beautiful as this,” said Horsnall.
The mural was actually meant to be unveiled about six months ago but COVID-19 delayed the event, yet Gillard is no less excited to see his work finally displayed.
“I felt it was a good thing to do [and it feels] really good,” said Gillard. “I’m curious to see what people think of it. I know when I look at it, it makes me happy and that’s what I wanted to do, something that people can look at and feel good.”
The beautification project on South Hill isn’t’ necessarily over for MJFFC, who are already eyeing up the Kinsmen Cafe down the street for a potential mural in the future.
