Has The Long Wait Ended?
by Lee Hunt
After months and months of uncertainty, we strongly hope to be creating a mural in the underpass where Brisebois goes under Crowchild and comes out as 40 Ave. In fact, by the time The Bugle comes out in September (I am writing this article in early August), the new mural could be well underway – or perhaps even finished!
Once the City gives final approval, Brentwood will receive money from three sources to finance the mural – Brentwood Community Enhancement Fund, The Calgary Foundation, and Activate YYC. We have also applied for an Inspiring Neighbourhood Grant but do not yet know whether we will receive it.
Four artists applied to create the mural. All submitted lively and appealing designs, so the decision was difficult. The judges selected the design entered by Lacey and Layla Art. Our grateful thanks go out to all four artists for contributing and to the community judges who made the tough decision.
The current plan is to begin the mural on August 22 and wrap up in early September. We have hired two artist assistants to work primarily with the 20 Brentwood young people who have volunteered to paint. Calgary Co-op and Freshco have both offered to provide food and refreshments, while volunteers from Brentview Baptist Church will coordinate the food tables.
Special thanks to Brentwood Mural Committee members Bonita McCurry, Lisa Boychuk, Linda Van Holst, Melanie Swailes, and Lee Hunt. Also, thanks to Eric MacKenzie, Paul Donker, and Dallen Osachuk who have helped us navigate the City bureaucracy. Additional thanks to Shiney Choudhary and Erin Davis who canvassed local businesses for support, and Isabel Chan who is handling communication and media for our mural project.
If you would like to donate financially to the mural, please contact Linda at [email protected]. Thank you.
So, here’s hoping that the long wait is over!
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