A new mural was unveiled at the Citadel Theatre on Friday in conjunction with the Edmonton Mural Festival. It happened at a ceremony attended by Indigenous Elders, Jo-Anna and Dr. Jerry Saddleback, and members of the public. The mural is located along the north exterior wall of the building, and is the work of Métis/Cree illustrator Paityn Savoie, known as WÂPOSHPYII, who works with various mediums, including paint, print and textiles. She graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Design in illustration with a minor in printmaking. The work was selected from more than 500 submitted artworks for the space and depicts white-tailed deer moving as a herd through prairie wildflowers. Red-winged blackbirds are pictured above them in a landscape featuring wild strawberries, blueberries, fireweed and Alberta wild roses. “I looked at the surrounding landscape, local plants and animals, cultural knowledge, and the physical space itself, along with stories and knowledge shared by the Saddleback Elders,” she said of her inspiration for the piece. “Ultimately, I hope the mural reminds people to take a moment out of their day to indulge in art and beauty; a piece that people can pause in front of, observe, and connect with in their own way.” Savoie also has a mural on Co-Op Place in Wetaskiwin. “At the Citadel, we have the privilege of hosting artists and their stories not only inside our building, but now on it too, and this incredible mural by Paityn Savoie (WÂPOSHPYII) brings that idea to life,” Citadel executive director Jessie van Rijn said in a news release. “The mural speaks to gathering, belonging, and connection and is a beautiful addition to the building and our shared downtown community.” The unveiling coincides with this weekend’s Alberta Culture Days. The Citadel will be hosting free, family-friendly programming on Saturday and Sunday to mark the occasion.
