At the regular meeting of Yorkton Council June 28, the Yorkton Business Improvement District, (YBID), Executive Director Donna Brothwell was asked about the City Centre Park mural and who is taking care of the project.
YBID took over the projects funding from the Renaissance Yorkton Foundation when it dissolved in 2016 and transferred funding set aside for the restoration to the YBID at that time.
The YBID Board of Directors approved the budget, and set in motion the historic restoration of the mural ‘Grassroots a 20th Century Salute!’
“Having some of the funding in place to restore the mural we got to work organizing the task,” said Brothwell in a release.
Some calls were made to the local Saskatchewan artist Grant McLaughlin from Moose Jaw, to find out if he was still doing murals and restorations.
“With some luck he is still working although he is 79 and is looking to possibly pass along the torch,” said Brothwell. “He graciously offered to train and work with local Yorkton artists to be able to do this. With that in mind the search was on for local artists to learn from Grant, and then take over and keep the legacy.”
Tonia Vermette and Angelina Kardynal, local muralists came to the task, said Brothwell.
“They are excited to take on the project and began the prep work needed to get the mural back to its original beauty,” she said.
The mural needed to be prepped by scraping the wall/painting then power washing the wall before the touch-ups could begin.
Local businesses were called to help with the ladders, power washing, trimming the bushes back, filling the gopher holes and working around the park schedule.
“Safety issues, water, power, permissions, proper paint and primer, supplies, and other issues had to be addressed and quickly to be able to move forward,” said Brothwell.
And there is the wall itself.
“Grant will tell you the stucco used on the wall is not the best for a mural and is the reason behind the pealing that is taking place as well as weather and general time, wear and tear,” said Brothwell. “He also is excited to be able to restore his work and teach and train the local artists to take over.”
The project, while a large one, came together very quickly with the help of Lisa Washington with the City as well as other city workers and officials who were quick to respond to the needs, said Brothwell, adding the artists did not want to wait another year and wanted to take advantage of the weather we viewed for the week they chose.
The original mural was dedicated officially on Sept. 17, 2008.
The mural restoration officially starts Monday Aug. 16 and should be complete by Aug. 21.
