Enabled by a town initiative, Sylvan Lake teen Trinity Larson will contribute to the vibrancy of the community by offering her artwork as inspiration for a mural to be painted downtown.
Painting of the mural will begin on June 6 and is expected to take approximately one week to complete. Obee’s 2 For 1 Pizza & Pasta has donated their building as a canvas for the mural.
Larson’s painting was chosen among eight other submissions by local students between Grades 7 to 10.
“By being involved in choosing and planning projects that are important to the youth, they feel a sense of empowerment and connection to their community. It is a great way to gain skills in leadership and communication,” said Family and Community Support Services youth services supervisor Krista Carlson.
Paint the Town initiative is run by the Sylvan Lake Youth IMPACT (Individuals Making Positive Action and Change Today) Coalition which promotes unity, acceptance and belonging for the residents.
In response to the isolation and feelings of loneliness youth felt during the beginning of the pandemic, IMPACT introduced the first painting initiative with Sylvan Lake artist Jaimie Cooney, who will also be painting the mural.
“Larson’s design is lovely. It’s great to see young people expressing themselves through creativity,” said Cooney. “I think her design will have a lot of impact in a large format.”
The project is being funded through a $1,500 Alberta Health Services Addiction Prevention Community Capacity Building grant and a $1,500 donation from the town’s Waterfront Commercial District Committee.
In the past, the Paint the Town initiative has designed flowers on storefront windows and positive messages with chalk on sidewalks, along with assisting the development of 50 Street “Pocket Park.” Upcoming projects include “Yellow Fish Road” which aims to blend art with environmental awareness.
To suggest a project or partnership or to learn more about IMPACT, visit www.sylvanlake.ca/SPARC.