The team that makes big artworks out of hundreds of smaller artworks has wrapped up a new project and is set to unveil it to the public.
Phil Alain, Lewis Lavoie and Paul Lavoie are the art trio who make up Mural Mosaic, a business/promotional outfit located just outside of St. Albert. They get dozens, if not hundreds, of contributors to paint small square panel pictures that then get pieced together to form a single larger and more unified mural. Their works have been around the world and are well-known sights in this city.
When St. Albert celebrated its sesquicentennial last year, Mural Mosaic was invited to create a unique piece to commemorate the occasion. Cultivate Life, as it is called, has now been compiled with the contributions of 146 artists who worked on 216 individual panels.
Alain says that the finished product represents the best of the best.
"It's just wonderful," he exclaimed. "The artists just nailed it! It's probably one of the better murals that we've done as far as the artists just being really creative with their shapes and colours. It's pretty exciting!"
This project is also unique in that there are two versions of the piece that will be shown: a copy that will be the permanent outdoor display version, as well as all of the original pieces. Those will be featured during an indoor reception held after the outdoor unveiling.
Email Nicole Deibert at [email protected] to R.S.V.P. your attendance.
‘Pablo Picasso' Bracko?
The Art Gallery of St. Albert has been busily putting the finishing touches on the first edition of its new event called Square One. Some local dignitaries, including politicians and other public figures, have been putting some finishing touches of their own on some smallish canvases. They have been painting up a storm, preparing their donations for the big fundraiser and exhibition.
Square One replaces the institution's 22-year-old art auction series, each chapter lasting only a single star-studded night. The new festival runs for more than two weeks and shows off an exhibit of artwork – each piece only 30 centimetres square (one square foot) in grids throughout the gallery.
The list of contributing artists runs to about 90 names and includes some very familiar people from the city's cultural community. It also includes some less familiar artists, like city councillor Len Bracko.
"We always get great instructors who bring out our creativity and make us look better than we are," he said, referring to how he has participated in this capacity in recent years as well.
Previously, he and other guest contributors prepared clay sculptures or other pottery pieces for the annual art auction. Bracko said his new foray into painting does not necessarily mean a grand evolution in his artistic practice. In fact, he had a hearty and protracted laugh that lasted for several seconds when that subject was broached.
He doesn't have any plans to branch out into glass blowing or steel forging, but he is game for whatever the gallery has in store for him in years to come.
"Whichever direction they want us to go, I'll be glad to try it. It makes us realize that everyone does have talents and some ability," he stated, still stifling a chuckle. "With proper instruction and leadership, it's amazing what you can do."
All artwork will go on sale for $200 each during the fundraising event on June 16.
You can learn more about Square One by calling the gallery at 780-460-4310 or by visiting www.artgalleryofstalbert.ca/exhibitions-events.
