Mural explores social ecology of Sault's downtown (5 photos)

The Mill Market Mural Project started with one question, Project Coordinator Rihkee Strapp told SooToday this afternoon: "What is the social ecology of downtown Sault Ste. Marie?"

The three-phase art installation explores the history and evolution of those who live in and visit the Sault's downtown, what they do, and what their stories are with an emphasis on stories that aren't widely known or told as often as others.

Officially launched on August 26, the first mural panel illustrating 'creation' was inspired in part by the work of Darren Emond, Darin Corbiere, and their collaboration on a new graphic novel, Giiwedanong.

Unveiled today at Mill Market, the second panel was guided by the work of nationally acclaimed Ojibwa artist Cecil Youngfox who was originally from Blind River, Ontario.

Strapp was joined at the reveal ceremony today by storyteller Teddy Syrette, and interpreters Magpie Barnett and Cheryl Lynn, all adorned in costumes graciously provided by Thinking Rock Community Arts.

In the shape of a canoe, the new panel portrays 'movement' and includes a representation of the infamous Consolidated Lake Superior Corporation (an operation of Francis H. Clergue) riot of 1903.

The third and final panel will celebrate local music, drawing inspiration from the 100th anniversary of the 49th RCA Field Regiment Soo Pipe Band and the work of the Soo York City Urban Arts Collective.

"I thought it would be an awesome idea to include this really amazing historic band that has such great longevity and this brand new hip hop, unappreciated style in Sault Ste. Marie and put them together in one event," Strapp explained.

The final reveal will take place during what they referred to as the 'grand finale' at Mill Market at noon on Saturday, September 12 in conjunction with the Market's Back to School BBQ.

The Mill Market Mural Project was funded in part through an Ontario Arts Council Aboriginal Artists and Communities grant.

Commemorative postcards of each phase of the project, created by Chandra Barnett and Tiffany Runge, will be available for $2 each at the Mill Market welcome desk.

To learn more about the project, please click here.

(PHOTO: Rihkee Strapp offers remarks during the second Mill Market Project panel reveal on Wednesday, September 2, 2015. Donna Hopper/SooToday)

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