A mutually beneficial relationship involving art has been created between Canora businesses and students at Canora Composite School, said Brandi Zavislak, community development officer.
The Town of Canora/CCS Mural Partnership has CCS students busy creating a total of three murals for the downtown business sector, as a way of beautifying Canora. Zavislak and Tamara Slowski, educational assistant, are assisting the students with the project.
In this, the first year of the project, the students involved are Brandon Swan-Matychuk, Cameron Blackbird and Cory Motilaga.
The only cost to the businesses is to pay for the materials, but it is hoped that they will do something to show their appreciation to the students upon completion of the murals.
Work is underway on a mural which will encourage visitors to Canora to get their pictures taken in cut-out holes, said Zavislak.
Students are receiving school credit for this project, she said. They are taking pride in it and making great strides in their work, making it a very positive partnership for them.
“At the beginning of this project some members of the group could barely paint, but with guidance from myself and Tamara they are well on their way as skilled painters,” said Zavislak.
A fun aspect of this project is that the whole community can keep track of how it’s coming along, she said.
Two of the murals will be set up in downtown green spaces, while one will be especially created for the Canora Visitor Centre
The murals are expected to be completed in time for the Canada 150 celebration on July 22, said Zavislak.
She hopes to continue the mural partnership in future years and get more students involved.
“The goal is to keep adding murals every year. Many businesses have called me inquiring about this mural partnership,” she said. “Next year a number of different businesses are lined up to have murals done.”
Any businesses interested in acquiring their own mural may contact Brandi Zavislak, community development officer.
