A River Runs Through It
October 06, 2010
A mural of the river valley helps to deter graffiti
One of nature’s greatest masterpieces is the inspiration behind a giant mural installed to deter graffiti in West Edmonton. The mural of Edmonton’s river valley, by artist Kris Friesen, is titled Our Natural Home. It covers one side of the Westside Automotive building located at the corner of 100 Avenue and 167 Street.
“Street murals definitely have been a welcomed addition to Edmonton,” says Councillor Linda Sloan. “They invite public discussion and positive pedestrian traffic. This particular mural is a great way to show off Edmonton’s unique natural environment and promotes Edmonton’s livability.”
Our Natural Home is the sixth painting in the Giants of Edmonton Mural series, part of Capital City Clean Up’s Graffiti Management Program, in partnership with 630 CHED.
630 CHED listeners nominate outstanding people, places, or things that make Edmonton a great place to live, as mural subjects. The City of Edmonton then selects the artist, pays for the murals and coats them with a protective graffiti coating for easy maintenance.
“We are so pleased with the river valley mural,” stated Fred and Monica Kruger, building owners of Westside Automotive. “Our once grey building is now a beautiful scene that will enhance not only our business but the community as a whole for years to come.”
The Graffiti Management Program provides property owners with an alternative to keep graffiti off their properties while allowing them to celebrate the best about this city. Capital City Clean Up has seen that vandals generally leave outdoor artwork alone, making murals a great way to deter graffiti vandalism. They also make our public spaces more welcoming and attractive.
The River Valley is truly a giant. Its size alone allows Edmonton to boast, as it is one of the longest urban stretches of river valley parkland within an urban area in North America. Its beauty is unsurpassed and it has an astounding impact on the recreational lives of Edmontonians. Living in a city with such a giant is a privilege.
The Edmonton and Area Land Trust has been a strong supporter of this particular project. It works to preserve natural areas for future generations to enjoy.
“Our river valley is a natural treasure that we need to value and protect,” stated Pam Wight, Executive Director of the Edmonton and Area Land Trust. “Projects such as Our Natural Home help Edmontonians realize how important it is to protect our environment and natural areas.
Previous Giants murals include:
- Former Lieutenant Governor Lois Hole
- Sports fan Joey Moss
- The Canadian Forces
- Edmonton volunteers
- Hope Hunter, Boyle Street Community Services
Edmontonians are advised to keep their eyes peeled for giants among us. Edmontonians are asked to suggest the giants they would like to see in the future through 630 CHED radio.
For more information on the Graffiti Management Program, please visit www.edmonton.ca/capitalcitycleanup.
For more information:
Sharon Chapman
| Title | Graffiti Project Manager, Capital City Clean Up |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 780-442-4711 |
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