Hope floats in an aerosol can.

No doubt as you drive down 95 Street, you have noticed a wonderful piece of art gracing the side of House of Refuge. This is the final product of our Community Mural project. Organized by Program and Membership Administrator Melissa Milakovic, facilitated by Trevor (Mr. Kurls) Peters, and created by international spray paint artist Panmela Castro, the lush colours and imagery are symbolic of our hopes for the community and illustrate, with eloquence, the work undertaken each day by House of Refuge.

The chilly days of early October were no deterrent to our artists as they sketched and sprayed – and the rain held off! The project got off to an inspired start as the Boyle Street Community League hosted a community dinner/art engagement “workshop” at the House of Refuge on September 29. This event was part of our Alberta Culture Days celebrations and was created to specifically engage Panmela with the people who call the House of Refuge “home.” Sometimes, community art projects are created and installed without the artists truly getting to understand the people for whom they are creating. House of Refuge is a significant Boyle Street landmark for the housed and unhoused people who live here and serves a unique need with a very specific mandate. After experiencing part of the Saturday evening worship service, Panmela and Trevor shared a meal with the people there and spoke to them, the volunteers, and ministers about their hopes for this piece of art.

The result – a portrait of an artist juxtaposed against a dark sky, praying the light of hope into the sky – is now one of Boyle Street’s defining images. We thank the City of Edmonton and Capital City Clean Up for their support of this project, as well as the artists.

September 29 was also the day we presented “Fancy Fretwork – from near & far” at the P&L Restaurant on Jasper Avenue. Owner Hui Xian Yee was a gracious hostess for this event which presented the Jim Findlay Trio and members of the Min Tue 11 Chinese Orchestra. Traditional Chinese music and the sounds of cool jazz filled the restaurant. An impromptu jam session resulted – all present will never hear “Do Re Mi” or “Jingle Bells” in quite the same way ever again! Although attendance was intimate, we hope to be able to undertake a similar event in the future, for Lunar New Year!

Thanks to Alberta Culture for its generous support of our community and our attempts to present a true picture of Boyle Street’s cultural diversity.

And last, but certainly not least – WHEN DO WE OPEN?! It’s been a year of many challenges and anticipation. We will be in the building by the beginning of December! As part of our opening, Boyle Street Plaza will participate in 12 Days of Christmas presented by Lite 95.7 on December 12. Come down and try out a yoga class, take a tour, or taste a snack from a cooking demonstration. Admission is free and is a wonderful introduction to this beautiful facility.