STONY PLAIN, AB: On September 28th at 10 a.m., the Town of Stony Plain is honoured to have unveiled a large-scale ground mural along the pathway that leads from the Stony Plain and Parkland Pioneer Museum to Heritage Park, by local artist Angela Hall. The artwork is entitled We Learn, Grow, and Transform Together.

Each year, September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. The public art project is meant to act as a longer-lasting public commemoration for the community but is intended to fade over-time.

“Reconciliation is an important component in furthering Stony Plain’s commitment to foster belonging and inclusion,” says Mayor William Choy. “I welcome residents to consider this artwork as a way to come together to support each other, as well as to appreciate the talents of Angela Hall, who is a member of our community.”

“Art plays an important role in society by sharing people’s stories, culture, and history,” says Culture and Tourism Development Officer Chantelle Laberge. “As a part of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, it is important for us to reflect on our country’s history in order to move forward in reconciliation. The unveiling of Angela’s art is a good opportunity to show solidarity in hopes of healing."

Angela Hall is a member of the Métis Nation and of Cree and Stoney ancestry, and currently resides in Stony Plain. She is the mother of two and has had a successful career in teaching. Inspired by the empowerment she experienced through creating her art, Angela began graduate studies in Art Therapy, obtaining certifications in Trauma Recovery and Spiritual Informed Creative Arts, St. Stephens College. Creating art allowed Angela to confront and heal from her unresolved experiences growing up in foster care. Today, Angela paints for the joy it brings her and others. Her artwork is also featured on the banners currently displayed throughout downtown Stony Plain.

Special thanks to North Central Co-op for generously providing all the paint and supplies through their Communities in Full Colour program. Learn more about this piece as well as other public art in our community.