Metalworks

EDITOR’S NOTE: Airdrie artist Veronica Funk recently participated in a beautification project at Luxstone Senior Living. The project included designing and sketching out a mural on a 20-foot by nine-foot construction trailer. The goal of the project was to involve as many members from the community as possible to help paint the artwork that Funk designed.

Coast-to-Coast

BY VERONICA FUNK

Community projects are so important, especially in times like these. It is heartwarming to work in the community with others to add beauty to our surroundings and to contribute in a meaningful way.

When I was initially approached about contributing to the local seniors’ community, I thought of The Grandmothers project that I had completed at the end of 2020 and knew that honouring our seniors in this way was extremely important.

The Grandmothers consisted of painting 52 portraits of the women who came before us, over 52 weeks, and sharing their stories and photographs.

After feeling isolated and disconnected from my community and after all the hardships the seniors had faced over the past year, I knew this project would be important, not only for them but for me.

When Jennifer Harbour, community relations co-ordinator for Luxstone, reached out to the local arts community about the possibility of creating a mural, I immediately knew I wanted to help out.

After meeting with her and viewing the possible options to beautify the appearance of a dilapidated old trailer in the courtyard, we discussed the fact that the residents come from across Canada.

I knew I wanted to create an image that encompassed the landscape from the West Coast to the East Coast and include the flowers that represent each province and territory across the country along the bottom.

I also wanted to simplify the drawing to create the semblance of a large colouring book page so that everyone, despite age or ability, could be involved in its painting. It became a wonderful, collaborative community project.

After the structure was primed by a community volunteer, I transferred the initial image onto the 45-foot trailer using orange paint and a paint brush.

After drying for 24 hours, other volunteers stepped up to fill the trailer with vibrant colours.

As the colour blocking was completed, I continued to adjust and add details as required.

Like so many, this past year left me feeling a little disconnected from others in my community, and this project helped to remind me of why I chose Airdrie to be my home so many years ago. In spite of the pandemic, I remembered the people that I have had the honour of meeting and seeing how they band together; they are the cornerstone of this community.

I am grateful to be able to contribute in this small way, through sharing my love of art, knowing it does make a difference. life

For more information on the Coast-to-Coast project, visit airdrielife.com/ lifenow/community-art-project-celebrates-seniors/

“It is heartwarming to work in the community with others to add beauty to our surroundings and to contribute in a meaningful way”