Residents join artist to create mural for Silver Springs pool
A new mural, comprising more than 20 separate designs, is being created by a Calgary artist and community members just in time for next year’s reopening of the Silver Springs outdoor pool.
“The mural is designed to celebrate the elements of our community,” said Cydney Elofson, vicepresident of the Silver Springs Community Association. “The whole idea is to reflect some diversity, to reflect the real-life activities we do here in Silver Springs.”
The entire project will piece together 21 to 24 panels that are four-by-eight-feet each, said Elofson. Each will feature a different drawing.
One of them will represent the neighbourhood’s dedicated gardening community, another on the abundant wildlife that passes through the streets, and some on winter and summer sports played nearby.
Over the next few days, residents are invited to paint the mural alongside local artist Dean Stanton.
“When I moved to Calgary I remember the first time I ever drove down Crowchild and saw the Sunalta school mural, and I thought it had the best energy,” Elofson said. “It makes you feel good every time you drive by.”
Renovations to the Silver Springs pool, which dates back to 1974, jump-started the entire project, but there weren’t enough funds to redo the building in addition to the pool.
Through a Soul of the City Neighbour Grant, the community association was able to get funding for the mural.
Almost immediately, Elofson got in touch with Stanton, the artist behind the “landmark” Sunalta mural, and he quickly agreed to join the project.
“There’s a complete energy — arm-waving in the air kind of energy — Dean has and yet he is a professional,” said Elofson.
“He has been an absolute delight to work with because he does this in communities all the time,” she added.
The painting will be completed just in time for the unveiling of the newly renovated pool, which is set to open in summer 2018.
Elofson hopes people remember their contribution for years to come.
“I hope that those who commented and gave their feedback, those that supported us when we were building this pool, those who are simply walking by and see something that reflects who they are — I hope that they feel more a part of Silver Springs because of this mural.”
People are invited to join the community mural project until sunset on Tuesday at the community centre.