LPSD Art Academy student Freya, a Grade 8 student at E.S. Laird, paints a flower for a window mural at Western Financial. Geoff Lee Meridian Source
Western Financial Group may have to insure its storefront windows next to Sobeys.
They are now a highly-prized piece of public art by admirers thanks to the work of some creative kids from the Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD) art academy.
They transformed the windows into a happy, on-brand scene for the business in a matter of minutes last week under the direction of local artist Brandi Hofer.
“Western Financial wanted something happy, spring-like, something that brought people joy when they walk into their establishment,” said Hofer, who has painted a number of downtown murals for businesses.
The mural captures that with colourful flowers and a truck, in keeping with Western Financial’s profile as an insurance broker.
It fits what branch manager, Tasha Crickard, originally had in mind to paint something that could last for the spring and summer.
“So, flowers, and it would entail stuff that we sell here, so truck and trailer insurance and kind of go with a theme like that,” she explained.
The link to the art academy was provided by customer service rep, Gail Kappel, whose son Derek teaches the academy at College Park School with Hofer, the artist in residence.
Her grandson Jake is also learning about public art at the academy.
“Western Financial has been trying to get out in the community and do stuff with young people,” explained Kappel as students painted.
“We just thought it would be great to have them be able to display their artwork. Then their parents, grandparents and friends could come and see it.
“Of course, everyone knows Brandi and she does amazing work, so we just thought this would be an awesome opportunity.”
Hofer says it’s a part of the art academy initiative to work in the community to show the students what public art is, what it means, and how it makes a difference.
“When we think about public art, it can really turn any space into a public destination. For example, the mural we did downtown in 2018 gets 20,000 visitors a year.
“It transforms any space into a happy space that people want to be a part of.”
Hofer says the cool part of the window mural is knowing students helped to design it digitally and are learning all the steps how they can take on these public things themselves and do them in the future.
“They can help make our community a better place through what they are learning at the academy,” she said.
Freya, a 13-year-old, Grade 8 student at E.S. Laird, was painting flowers at Western Financial and took a moment to rave about the academy.
“I’ve always really liked art and it’s been really fun. It’s always something I can turn to when I’m having tough times and it’s really nice to have something that you can do,” said the teen.
“It’s the best part of my week by far and Brandi’s such a great teacher. I’ve learned so much from her.”
Sophie, an 11-year-old Grade 6 student at College Park, is also loving the academy.
“I’m learning that art isn’t just like a form that shows people what you can do. I’m learning that it’s something you can express yourself and may help other people,” she said.
She says working with others on a project like the Western Financial mural is fun and explained what she was brushing on at the moment with acrylic paint.
“I am painting some flowers on the window in different colours that we can choose and there’s lots of creativity,” she said.
The youngster also noted it means a lot to her to have Hofer as a mentor.
“She’s exposing us to a bigger world of art than what we’re used to. It means a lot that she’s putting in a lot of effort to care for us,” she said.
The art academy is set to paint a mural at Grindin Gears Bikes ‘N Boards this month.
The academy is also a part of the Mick Classen Faces of Lloydminster art project and will put one of those faces on the school grounds of College Park—with more projects to come.
“We’re having an art show and we’re walking over to Spiro’s and then we’re having a wearable art show movie day, so we’ve got a packed two months left in the program. It’s really exciting,” said Hofer.
There are 30 students in the academy but Hofer expects that number to double next year with the addition of Grade 5 students in the LPSD.
“So, it’s growing; it’s just a beautiful, safe creative space we’re setting up that students can be a part of and have that safe, creative outlet,” said Hofer.
“That’s the concept of the whole program.”
