It was a rainy day in downtown Edmonton when the project began, not ideal for mural painting, but Norwood community volunteers were undeterred.
“What we know is the resilience of our community is second to none. And so, a little bit of rain and wind will not stop us from creating the mural of our dreams,” said Laurie Fagan of the Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre.
Lead artist Lorraine Shulba, an accomplished painter, knows Norwood very well.
“Over the long time that I've been involved with this area, I've seen how many hearts and passion that people have for this neighborhood. It's gotten a bad rap over the years and it's really unfortunate, because we have a bustling family, like all different walks of life live here,” said Shulba.
The mission: put paint to cement and create an art piece that may help soften people’s perceptions of the bustling community and improve relationships.
“The purpose of the mural really is to bring community together and to create beautification within the Norwood community. And so, we want EPS to be involved so that we can de-stigmatize the issues that some of our community members have with police,” added Fagan.
EPS members were on hand with paint and brushes. Sgt. Mark Kachkowski says this was a great opportunity to connect with community members and set the tone for future interactions.
“They see that we're out painting with them or that we're talking to them. And so that's important just to see that. ‘Hey, you know what? I remember that police officer that was painting with me in the rain a couple weeks back or a few months ago, and I'm going to go back to them and I'm going to approach them.’ Just that softer, gentler side of that community engagement,” said Kachkowski.
For days and weeks, Shulba battled the elements. Rain, heat and long hours. She worked twelve to fifteen hours some days. Shulba would get tired but was never deterred.
“When you start to see things come alive and the detail, it just, you know, revitalizes your energy and your excitement for the project. And I've met so many wonderful people. They come visit me every day.”
Those visits pushed and motivated Shulba who describes herself as a perfectionist. After weeks of work, she was finally ready to reveal the mural outside the Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre.
“My reaction was very emotional,” said Fagan. “Not only do you see Lorraine's art and creativity in this, but you see her heart and soul. And, as I said to her, it's not like the murals you see on the sides of houses in the rich neighborhoods. This is something that's really embedded in a vulnerable community where we deserve to have those same types of riches.”
Shulba has since moved on to the next project. However, it’s clear that this painting is a reflection of her fondness for the people who live in a place close to her heart.
“It was almost like a little gift, but I guess it was more like a love letter. I'm just here to send a message. And I've seen some darkness, and to be able to give some light into the world, that's my M.O. That's what I'm here to do.”