Community mural transforms conflict into shared story

Community-Run Public Art Microgrant projects helps bridge cultural divide.
By: Cadence Mandybura; Photos by Albert Woo

“When you paint something, you have to tell a story.”

This is a lesson Indigenous artist Flora Johnson shared with the volunteer youth artists she worked with to create a new mural at the Erin Woods Community Association. Titled Inspiration, the mural holds a story not only in its imagery, but in the journey surrounding its creation.

Project organizers Trellis Society and Planet Youth wanted the mural to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together through art, fostering community spirit in Erin Woods. However, early in the project, Johnson faced strong opinions from community members.

But Johnson, who is used to bridging cultural divides through her work, was understanding. She sees anger as a “second emotion.”

“That’s how we hide our true feelings, whether we’re hurt, whether it’s fear,” she says. “When people are angry, I always go, ‘Yeah, you can blow off that steam.’ You need to recognize that it’s okay to be angry, but in a constructive way.”

To Johnson, the high emotions were a signal that people in the community wanted their input heard. “The whole time I’m listening to people and I’m hearing what they’re voicing out, and they just want to be a part of it,” she says, and had discussed her belief in the Creator and how there are many similarities to be found across cultures.

Instead of escalating the conflict, Johnson offered community members a chance to participate in the mural, extending a paintbrush and teaching them a few skills. “I feel this very strongly: when it comes to community or doing any art project, it’s [about] inclusion.” Even so, Johnson, who is a member of the Mosakahiken Nation and a Sixties Scoop survivor, is honest about some of the racism and ignorance Indigenous people face. “Sometimes you have to correct people, but you’ve got to do it in a kind way,” she says. “I’ve said this a thousand times, kindness is the most powerful thing.”

The result? The community members, some of whom originally had concerns, were soon bringing muffins and snacks for the youth artists.

For their part, the young artists, who designed the mural under Johnson’s guidance, were largely unfazed by the initial challenges from community members. “The kids are awesome,” says Johnson. “When they heard about some of the comments, they just looked at me and put their hand on my shoulder, and they said, ‘Everything’s going to be okay, we got this.’”

The mural is themed around the Seven Teachings, a set of guiding principles adopted by many Indigenous peoples (love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility and truth). The project helped the youth delve into their own perspectives on each teaching. “In all the obstacles and challenges that we’ve gone through — that’s courage,” Johnson recalls telling them. “That’s being brave within yourself.”

The unveiling was both celebratory and emotional. “That was the hardest part with the kids, because when it was over, they felt like it was over,” says Johnson. But the story isn’t over. In fact, as Johnson told the youth: “This is only the beginning.”

See the mural at the Erin Woods Community Association (83 Erin Park Drive S.E.).

The project received funding through a Calgary Arts Development Community-Run Public Art Microgrant and through the City of Calgary’s Ward Community Event Fund and Activate YYC Grant Program.