Sammi Kopeck, 21, began painting the mural on Sept. 27. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

artwork

New La Ronge mural showcases land, people and the sky

Oct 18, 2021 | 3:44 PM

A new mural representing land, people and the sky was completed Sunday by Lac La Ronge Indian Band member Sammi Kopeck.

“The whole idea is a woodland-style sun,” she said. “People who are familiar with woodland-style art might recognize that kind of style with everything being connected with lines. The circles represent individual things and the lines connect it all.”

The circle represent Kopeck’s interpretation of the tri-communities with a float plane showcasing the sky, the teepee and feather honouring the local Woodland Cree culture and the hands holding the plant is for community support.

Kopeck started the mural Sept. 27 and worked on it during her free time up until its completion Oct. 17. She would have liked to have more time to perfect it, but noted it was a race against the weather as it has been rather wet and cold this month.

“I have had a lot of really nice comments,” Kopeck said. “Every single day when I was painting, there were people who would walk by to encourage me, saying I am doing a good job. It was just really nice to hear from the community, especially strangers who don’t know who I am.”

BUILD A BETTER COMMUNITY

From fines to treats: Lloydminster rewards good deeds with Positive Ticketing Program

8h ago

Back-to-school help

North Battleford mom launches school supply drive

8h ago

PAGC Urban Services supplies 1,500 kids with back-to-school essentials

9h ago

Kopeck is looking forward to using the mural to further her reputation as an artist. She explained it was the first time she had the opportunity to work with acrylic paint, adding most of her artwork is done with pens. Completing the mural has also given her more encouragement to take on more commissions for the public.

With the mural now done, Kopeck would like to thank the La Ronge Arts Council for selecting her, the staff at Robertson Trading Ltd. for their support and Matthew Klassen with High Mark Holdings for the use of scaffolding. She also wanted the public to know they can come up with their own interpretation of what the mural represents.

“A lot of people have been asking me what the message means or what the hidden meaning means, but it’s really up for interpretation,” Kopeck said. “I’m happy with whatever it means to you.”

–

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno