On Friday, Edmonton's Citadel Theatre revealed a new mural by Métis/Cree artist Paityn Savoie. The unveiling took place on the building's north exterior wall as part of the Edmonton Mural Festival and Alberta Culture Days.
A single selection from 500 submitted artworks
The Edmonton Mural Festival served as the competitive backdrop for this new addition to the city's public art landscape. According to the report, Savoie’s design was chosen from a massive pool of more than 500 submitted artworks. This high volume of entries highlights the intense interest in urban art projects within the Edmonton community.
The festival is an annual event designed to celebrate public art and foster community connection through large-scale visual works. By selecting a single piece from such a large group, the organizers have placed a significant spotlight on the winning artist's ability to capture the essence of the region.
White-tailed deer and Alberta wild roses on the north wall
Paityn Savoie, also known as WÂPOSHPYII, has transformed the Citadel Theatre's north exterior wall into a vibrant prairie scene. The mural depicts a herd of white-tailed deer moving through a landscape filled with local flora, including wild strawberries, blueberries, fireweed, and Alberta wild roses. red-winged blackbirds are also pictured above the herd, adding a sense of movement to the composition.
Savoie is a University of Alberta graduate with a Bachelor of Design in illustration and a minor in printmaking. her artistic range extends beyond murals to include paint, print, and textiles, and she has previously completed mural work at Co-Op Place in Wetaskiwin. This new project at the Citadel marks a significant expansion of her public presence in Edmonton.
The influence of the Saddleback Elders on the design
The creative process for the mural was deeply informed by Indigenous cultural knowledge and local stories. During the unveiling ceremony, Indigenous Elders Jo-Anna and Dr. Jerry Saddleback were present to witness the reveal. Savoie explained that her inspiration was drawn from the surrounding landscape and the specific knowledge shared by these Elders.
As reported in a news release from the Citadel Theatre, executive director Jessie van Rijn noted that the artwork speaks to themes of "gathering, belonging, and connection." The project aims to bring these stories out of the theatre's interior and onto its very walls, making them accessible to everyone in the downtown community. to celebrate this addition and the ongoing Alberta Culture Days, the Citadel Theatre is hosting free, family-friendly programming throughout Saturday and Sunday.
The specifics of the selection process and long-term preservation
While the mural is a celebrated addition to the downtown area, several details regarding its creation and future remain unverified.. The report does not specify the exact criteria used to select Savoie's work from the 500 submissions, leaving the specific priorities of the selection committee unknown. Furthermore, there is no information regarding the long-term maintenance plan for the mural or how the Citadel Theatre intends to preserve the artwork against the elements.
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