Colourfully wild mural unveiled along Chinook Parkway

Swift Current has just gotten a little more colorful after yesterday’s grand reveal of a new mural in the downtown area. 

Under the Chaplin Street bridge just east of Elmwood Groceries, a scene featuring a collection of southern Saskatchewan flora and fauna has just been completed along the Chinook Parkway.  

The Saskatchewan artist and graphic designer who spent over a week and a half creating the public piece, Josh Jacobson, was surprised at the turnout of his work’s unveiling. 

“I think it went really well; I think the public has been really gathered around it and the design seems to be received pretty well,” said Jacobson. “People resonate with the imagery and a lot of the themes... It's nice to see that the community really gathers for art, it seems to really be a good tight-knit community.” 

He entitled his piece Echoes of the Untamed: Prairie Impressions, which features wilderness superstars of the southwest, including a tiger salamander, crocuses, the prickly pear cactus, and a triumphant walleye in the centre. The celebration of the city’s newest art fixture brought out Mayor Al Bridal and several city council members. 

Terri Fidelak, director of the Art Gallery of Swift Current and host of the unveiling expressed pride in having such artwork in her community. 

“It's a really wonderful addition, not only for the arts community, but for the whole community,” expressed Fidelak. “It's really a gift to be able to have public art open and accessible to anyone who wants to come by.” 

The Saskatchewan Recreation and Parks Association was able to help with the mural's cost, after approving two generous grants. $5,000 from the Parks for All Grant and $2,000 from the SK Arts Microgrant program made the colourful location possible. 

“We have a really nice turn out of people in spite of the heat, and everyone seems really appreciative and recognizes what a great addition this is to our community,” Fidelak stated. “I know that Josh has had lots of wonderful encounters over the week as he's been working with people passing by and asking questions, being curious and excited about this piece.”