A photographic mural depicting Riverside Meadows’ past, present and future will be unveiled on Saturday.
The $3,600 project destined for the west wall of the neighbourhood’s community centre at 6021 57th Ave. has been in the works since last fall.
It incorporates archival photos, as well as new ones taken by a local photographer Mirjam Rand, and a digital art border. “It shows some of the history of the area, and how families and people are such an important part of the community,” said Shirley Hocken, chair of the Riverside Meadows’ centennial committee. The two-by-four-metre mural was funded by money left over from the community’s centennial celebrations budget from 2011.
Since local businesses contributed, Hocken said the committee wanted to create a lasting visual legacy for the neighbourhood.
The mural, which was composed by Red Deer artist Carol Lynn Gilchrist, shows some landmarks — including the CP Rail bridge that was converted for pedestrians, North Cottage School, and the site of the old convent.
Photographs of children from the past and present are interspersed throughout. Hocken said that’s what she likes best: “It shows the potential for the future.”
The unveiling will take place at 3:30 p.m. at the Riverside Meadows Community Centre. Refreshments will be served during the 3 to 5 p.m. celebration, which will include a speech from Mayor Morris Flewwelling. Everyone is welcome.