City Unveils New Mural Project to Honour Essential Workers
The City of St. John’s has partnered with several arts organizations - Eastern Edge Art Gallery, Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, Lawnya Vawnya, and Riddle Fence - to fund and coordinate a new mural project, unveiled today, at the Avalon Mall in St. John’s.
The artwork is a tribute to frontline and essential workers in recognition of their important work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am delighted to unveil this beautiful artwork and tribute to essential and front-line workers in our province and City,” said Councillor Debbie Hanlon, Council lead for Arts and Culture. “Partnering with such amazing organizations is one of the many ways that the City of St. John’s supports the local arts industry. Public art is what makes our community special and brings so much joy and happiness to everyone it touches. Thank-you to all our partners involved in bringing this beautiful mural to life.”
The City of St. John's contributed $18,000 to this $27,000 project. The partnership approach allows the City to leverage financial investments, expertise, and delivery of public art.
“We are incredibly proud of the artists in our province. As a supporter and advocate for them, we have seen and felt first-hand the impact that COVID-19 has had upon our community,” said Philippa Jones, Executive Director of Eastern Edge Art Gallery. “These skilled and captivating artworks pay homage to the tireless efforts of essential workers in countless roles throughout the pandemic. Together, we celebrate their contributions to our province and create hope for a brighter and healthier future.”
The mural was completed as four separate panels; the four artists chosen to paint the mural are Molly Margaret, Amber-Lynn Thorne, Anastasia Tiller, and Nelson White.
“It was an honour to be part of this project,” said Nelson White, one of the project’s mural artists. “Not all essential workers were first responders, medical personnel, or front-line clerks. Some were not publicly visible but still had to go to work each day and do their job to ensure services such as mail and warehouses proceeded unhindered.”
The Avalon Mall is a fitting location for display as it is accessible by a wide cross-section of residents and is a key location in the City for many essential and frontline workers. The Avalon Mall and Crombie REIT have been enthusiastic partners throughout the planning process.
"We are very pleased with how the murals turned out,” says Stephanie Regular, Marketing Coordinator of the Avalon Mall. “The hard work and creativity from the artists is truly beautiful, and we are happy to give it a home in the Avalon Mall. What is even more special is how wonderfully the art showcases essential and frontline workers. Thank you to the artists, arts organizations, and to our essential workers for keeping us safe."