Community & Creativity Come Together: The Canmore Hospital Mural Design Project Selections
Mural Design Project Selections (Left to Right): “Jumbo Pass” by Robyn Mulligan and “Tatanka Come Back” by Kathryn Cooke.
Throughout the course of 2020 and into 2021, we’ve gained an important perspective on what it means to be a front-line worker, a healthcare worker, a healthcare hero. Healthcare staff around the world have been working tirelessly to maintain the health and comfort of global citizens in the midst of overflowing ICUs, enhanced safety measures, and rapidly-changing circumstances. They’ve adapted and showed up for us in countless ways. From posting hearts in windows to banging pots and pans every evening at 7 pm, we’ve tried to show them just a sliver of the gratitude we feel for what they do each and every day.
In the spirit of brightening up what, in many ways, has been an immensely difficult time, the Canmore and Area Health Care Foundation made a call for designs for local creatives with the intent to plaster beautiful, uplifting images on a wall outside the hospital where staff often take breaks on sunny days.
We asked locals to submit designs in all artistic mediums, whether they be professional artists or closet creatives who have lovely images they’d like to put forth to the healthcare community. We asked, and the creatives of Canmore responded. We received dozens of uplifting submissions that had heartwarming messages attached, showing the intent behind the creations and even some special connections with the Canmore Hospital.
While the choice was not easy, the Foundation’s selection committee chose two designs that had perfectly fitting backstories and complimented one another beautifully. Before we announce our selections, we’d like to showcase a couple of the submissions and the stories behind them, with the permissions of the creatives.
Submission Showcases
“Tiger Lily” by Jaylene Harley
“Tiger Lily” by Jaylene Harley
“Tiger Lily” by Jaylene Harley
Jaylene Harley submitted a gorgeous painting that she had just recently started. The Lily represents her mom, Victoria, who loved Lilys, especially Tiger Lilys. “Unfortunately she passed away 2 years ago at the Canmore hospital from lung cancer,” Jaylene wrote. Beside the Lily is a Chrysanthemum “which is the flower of November and also the month I was born in.” The two leafs in the middle are representative of both Jaylene and her mother.
“After she passed, I painted a few paintings but lost my touch in the midst of life. I pushed myself to start painting again just last month because it is one of my passions,” the artist shared. “I’ve lived in Canmore with my mom for just over 15 years and I definitely call it home,” she finished.
“Our Kids” by Kristy Wolfe
“Our Kids” by Kristy Wolfe
“Our Kids” by Kristy Wolfe
Kristy Wolfe submitted two positively stunning photos entitled “Our Kids.”
“What a year. Our healthcare heroes have been tirelessly working to get people back to what they are meant to be doing. Our kids are learning from the best superheroes there are,” the photographer wrote.
These are just two examples of the moving, heartfelt submissions we received. We could not be more grateful for the chance to hear and see these powerful messages. The creatives of Canmore are truly a special breed.
Now, we are delighted to announce our selections and introduce you to the women behind them.
Design Selections
“Tatanka Come Back” by Kathryn Cooke
“Tatanka Come Back” by Kathryn Cooke
Kathryn Cooke submitted this gorgeous painting and detailed her relationship with healthcare in Canmore. “I have a long history of intermittent interaction with the Canmore General Hospital dating back now over 23 years, as most people have if they have lived in the Bow Valley for that length of time,” she wrote.
“I have the perspective of one who has both worked in the hospital but also one who has been blessed to experience the entire cycle of life through the birth of my last child to the death of my parents within the walls of this space.”
Kathryn described our town’s hospital as more than just a space. “It is a place where the experiences of deep living take place. The caring nature of the nurses, technicians, support staff, and physicians, turn what is often a frightening situation, into one of support, caring, and community. I hope that never changes.”
The artist submitted “Tatanka Come Back,” one of her most successful works.
“It features a large Bison, standing solidly on the ground, looking patiently out to you. He is strong and resilient. He stands behind a barbed-wire fence that is a metaphor for challenges we all face in life. The birds on his shoulder reflect that no matter what our physical dispositions are, our minds and souls, always have the ability to fly free while we wait for the discomfort to resolve. The original work was created for the return of the bison to Banff National Park so it has historic and environmental significance,” she shared.
“In addition, it has references to our first nations and remembers the people of treaty 7 who have survived the trauma of the residential school system and bravely demonstrate a model for us in how we engage with the land. The people of the Stoney Nakoda, the Blackfoot Nation, and the Metis of region 3; these are the people of Treaty 7 on whose traditional lands we reside on. I am grateful for their care of this land that I am privileged to call home. Thus this image also presents ideas of diversity and hopes to be part of an ongoing process of reconciliation.”
As this piece will be featured in a space where healthcare workers come to rest and get fresh air on their breaks, Kathryn submitted it mindfully for that purpose exactly. “Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the image is beautiful and restful which would be appreciated by those who seek a moment of peace in the courtyard.”
We’re honoured to feature Kathryn Cooke’s art outside the Canmore General Hospital and we were so touched to read her accompanying words.
“Jumbo Pass” by Robyn Mulligan
“Jumbo Pass” by Robyn Mulligan
The Foundation also selected “Jumbo Pass” by Robyn Mulligan. “It has been a crazy year for everyone and I love this idea of art being installed to help brighten the day of the healthcare workers after they do sooo much for us and the community,” she wrote.
“After my father received wonderful care these past few months at the Canmore Hospital, I had him choose which of my art pieces to submit.”
In reference to the painting, the artist shared the following message: “Jumbo Pass - big skies, wildflowers, alpine meadows, glacier-fed lakes, and a cute backcountry hut. This image contains a blend of so many things those living in the Bow Valley love.”
In submitting, Robyn put forth hope that her artwork “sparks a sense of joy” for hospital staff, residents, and patients.
About The Artists
Kathryn Cooke
Kathryn Cooke is a multifaceted artist who works concurrently as a pediatrician in Canmore, Alberta, a therapeutic arts facilitator, and an artist. Kathryn attended the Alberta College of Art and Design from 2010-2014. She graduated with her BFA in 2014, as the Governor General Award winner. Following graduation from the drawing department, Kathryn participated in a number of public art projects that focused on the use of natural elements in the outdoors as well as movement through the sphere of the public realm.
Kathryn has completed a number of artist residencies which have helped to develop her over-riding concept of the interconnectedness of life.
Kathryn created Blue Eyes Studio where she produces much of her commercial work. Here, she also works with children as a therapeutic arts facilitator. She participates as a vendor at the Canmore Mountain Market as well as a sessional instructor at ArtsPlace in Canmore.
Kathryn’s work has been shown in “Walk in the Woods”, a Canmore outdoor public art project, ArtsPlace, Elevation Gallery, as a member of the Artists of Elk Run, as well as in Carre des Artiste Gallery in Montreal. Her work can be viewed and purchased through Blue Eyes Studio and online: kathryncooke-blueyestudio.com
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share Tatanka Come Back with visitors and the health care team at the Canmore General Hospital. I have been in medical practice now for thirty-one years and I will be moving on soon in order to focus my energies on the healing aspects of the arts and to work in participatory arts collaborations. My will shift my passions to that of adding my voice to those who strive to make our planet a better place - one where our environment is cherished and one where all humans are listened to, respected, and cared for when in need. This is what we do in health care. It seems so simple, yet it seems to be difficult. Tatanka Come Back allows me to leave something of me that hopefully will help anyone who spends a moment in the courtyard,” she wrote.
Robyn Mulligan
Robyn Mulligan is a local artist based in Canmore, Alberta. Her Balance Explore brand is inspired by her love of the outdoors and blends art and function.
Robyn’s colourful designs merge classic natural elements with vibrant colours, creating a fresh take on the familiar. Exploring the mountains, lakes and river valleys inspires her to create images that reflect her passion for the outdoors.
The artist’s functional art engages each individual with their own sense of adventure and connection with nature. Proud to be Canadian, her products are sourced as close to home as possible, often partnering with local suppliers.
On any given day you can find Robyn hiking a mountain pass, climbing up a rock wall, practicing yoga beside the river, or cross-country skiing with friends. And you might just run into her biking around town or at a local café sipping tea.
Follow along with Robyn’s adventures and creative process on Instagram @balance.explore or find her art on her Etsy shop at BalanceExplore.
“Thanks so much for your phone call and email yesterday! I am so excited to find out my Jumbo Pass design was picked!,” she wrote.
Moving Forward
“We received great stories and a very eclectic collection of submissions with this community call out. Submissions had one thing in common, a deep sense of gratitude for our Canmore Hospital and its staff. When I phoned Kathryn to let her know her image was selected, she was in tears, Robyn, too, was overjoyed and thankful for the opportunity,” said Soulafa Al-Abbasi, Executive Director of the Canmore & Area Health Care Foundation.
The Foundation will be working with a local printing company to print and erect these designs on a rectangular, concrete wall outside the Canmore General Hospital. All costs associated will be covered by the Foundation.
We would like to extend our utmost gratitude to the creatives who submitted designs and shared their stories with us. What a truly moving experience this process has been.
The mural-style designs will be unveiled in the Spring, so please join us in looking forward to this burst of colour, warmth, and soul.
Thank you, creatives, thank you, Canmore, and thank you, hospital staff. We are endlessly proud of this community.
