The City of St. Albert has spent the last five months organizing a new temporary public art project that focuses on historically underrepresented visual artists.
The inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Banner Project welcomes three visual artists who have created a banner series that will be installed in St. Albert’s downtown core by the end of March.
More than a decoration, this public street art reflects the city’s values and aspirations and is accessible to all. Through this hands-on creative process, the artists have an opportunity to share their insights and reflect on their identities, beliefs and memories.
The selected artists are: Eunju Park, a Korean letter abstract collage artist; Melanie Hsiao, a painter and pressed flower artist, as well as Jasper June, a queer, non-binary, disabled multi-disciplinary artist.
More than 50 visual artists responded to the city’s 2024 call. Each portfolio was judged on its merits by a selection committee of five.
“These three stood out the most in their practice and vibrancy," said Jacilyn Blackwood, city visual arts coordinator. "They had very different styles. Jasper’s is embroidery mixed with illustrations. Melanie works with traditional painting and focuses on leaves, local plants and flowers found in a lot of gardens in St. Albert. And Eunju works with Korean traditional art. She makes abstract collages. The different collages are made from paper and have hidden messages. They are all different, but complementary to each other.”
The three artists were requested to complete four diverse banners that resonate with the community. Each transformed their art into striking visual statements.
Park focused on delivering inspiring messages such as “You are beautiful” and “Be Yourself,” while Hsiao’s artistic approach represents the culture and history of St. Albert. June created banners depicting 40 native species of bugs, animals, birds and plants located at the St. Albert Botanic Park, Big Lake and citizen’s gardens.
Blackwood said the 12 designs are printed on a weatherproof canvas material designed to withstand environmental elements. Each expressive banner is 58 inches high and 18 inches wide and printed on both sides. They will be hung on 76 banner arms along the Sturgeon River incorporating Celebration Garden, Millennium Park and St. Albert Place.
The total budget for this project was $35,000 and was allocated from the City Public Arts Reserve Fund. Compensation for each artist was $5,800.
“This is really exciting new artwork in the downtown. It will make the downtown feel more vibrant. These artists were wonderful to work with and we hope the community embraces the new art. There’s something for everyone.”
The city’s visual arts unit is always searching for new members to offer their services as selection committee members on a project-by-project basis. Anyone who is interested in volunteering can visit the City of St. Albert website at stalbert.ca and search for Selection Committee Application.
