The funding recently approved by the city will cover the expenses of vinyl printing and installation of a big, bright mural depicting the Estevan water tower – an image which might become one of Estevan’s signatures.
ESTEVAN — Estevan will soon see more murals of various kinds, styles and sizes appear on the streets.
Estevan City Council has awarded Gale Tytlandsvik, with the Estevan Arts Council, $10,000 for the creation of a big mural that will be painted on the Kessel Run Games Store located at Fourth Street & 13th Avenue. This funding was in addition to an additional $10,000 allocated by the Arts Council this year for various visual art projects.
The funding recently approved by the city will cover the expenses of vinyl printing and installation of a big, bright mural depicting the Estevan water tower – an image which might become one of Estevan’s signatures.
“This design was created by someone in town. He sent it over during [the call for] submissions. All members of our committee were very excited about this. “We loved the idea, we wanted to experience the energy,” Tytlandsvik told the Mercury and SaskToday in an interview.
The creator refused any compensation. However, the cost to produce the 45 by 11 foot print, put it on panels, and install it was still very high. Tytlandsvik decided to reach out to the City to make sure she could complete the project. She also wanted to progress with other beautification items this year.
Tytlandsvik’s initial pitch was made to council on the 17th of July, but she had it tabled pending more information about pricing. At the August 21 meeting she presented a request, which included a breakdown of costs for what she wanted. The request was approved after a short discussion.
Coun. Lindsay Clark noted that Tytlandsvik had made great progress in its request. He added that there was a delicate balance to be struck between budgetary considerations and implementing projects. He expressed his support for the work that Tytlandsvik does in the community, and moved for the allocation of $10,000.
“I’d like to see the council allocate a budget for this kind of public artistic beautification every year,” said Tytlandsvik. He added that the small amount that was done in the last year, with the painting of several murals in the community, has received an incredible response.
She’s currently working on the mural with the artist and hopes to have it completed and installed by the end of the year.
Tytlandsvik stated that this is the biggest project of the year.
Tytlandsvik, now that the Arts Council has approved a separate budget for the unique mural, can use funds to continue other smaller projects by local artists. The funding will cover both the production costs and artists’ compensation.
This year’s plan includes the creation of two benches, the decorating of a powerbox and several murals.
The benches are being constructed in the western and eastern parts of Fourth Street. Tytlandsvik plans to display textile art from North Portal artists Sheila Farstad and Deby Arnold on one of the benches, and a piece created by Estevan Hearts and Hands Quilt Guild.
Colours will be seen in other parts of the city this year.
A vinyl print of a painting by Rhonda Sandquist, depicting an antique car grill, is planned to be put on one of the buildings on Fifth Street, but the final decision hasn’t been made yet.
Tytlandsvik expects a submission for one of its power boxes from the talented young artist Sam Ellis.
Tytlandsvik stated, “I’m sure that what she comes up will be cool for the youth.”
Tytlandsvik said that vinyl prints are better for long-term use because they have UV protection.
She confirms the location of a smaller mural that will be painted by B.J. Zieger.
Tytlandsvik’s smaller work will also be placed on TD Bank.
Tytlandsvik added that she hopes all expenses will be covered by the budget, but in the event they are not, the money can be put into the budget for the following year.
Byron Fichter has also announced a project to create a photo mural that he would like to donate to his city. It is hoped that it will be placed on the Siever Fonstad and Erdman Building on Fourth Street.
Tytlandsvik said they would also create a map of the artworks in town once all projects were completed.
Also, they have updated the exhibit at the Estevan Recreation Centre. It currently features artwork by local artist Ruth Langwieser.
Tytlandsvik also requested $25,000 for the mural of a pheasant on the Trout Building during her presentation. This request was not approved.