The following information was gathered in an informal conversation with one of the youth coordinators.
Can you please tell us a bit about the organization, mission statement, values?
• Ladysmith Parks, Recreation & Culture, is committed to enhancing the health & quality of life of the community through accessible programs, services, facilities and open spaces.
• The community centre opened in May, 1982, with an original focus on the swimming pool and offering a variety of aquatic programs including lessons and public swims; in 1986 the mandate broadened to include dryland programming.
• In 2003 the local youth centre (operated by the LPRC department) was closed in an effort to embrace youth in the heart of the community at the community centre, and in 2005 the “Rec Room” was opened in the basement for drop-in social opportunities weekly
• The skatepark opened and youth spontaneously gathered throughout the “campus of activities” including Ladysmith Secondary School, the community centre, and the skatepark.
• The department has a primary focus to encourage “active living” and supports social and cultural opportunities for all ages.
Who came up with the idea to produce the mural and why?
• Collaborative brainstorm of Summer Coordinator & Youth Program Coordinator with youth participants, to beautify a grey retaining wall on the street below the community centre parking lot.
• The Summer Coordinator & Youth Program Coordinator wanted the children of Ladysmith to be involved with a community art project.
Is there a story behind the mural itself?
• Ladysmith is a gorgeous town surrounded by natural beauty, therefore the grey retaining wall was a perfect opportunity to allow for the children in our community to be involved in a project that they can talk about with their family and friends. The children can enjoy their art work every time they go to the Frank Jameson Community Center. The mural gave the children a chance to showcase how the small work of an individual can become part of something much bigger. It allowed for the children in our community to leave their mark. The wall was inspired by the famous artists Emily Carr, and The Group of Seven.
What happened during the process that left it incomplete?
• The temporary work term of the Summer Coordinator who was responsible for organizing the project ended, there was no further budget for staff wages, and turnover of youth services leadership due to maternity leave and other employment opportunities.
What will it mean to the town to have it completed?
• Expression of youth engagement, artistic talents,
• Prominent retaining wall has high profile with citizens of all ages who attend the community centre and the other institutions along 6th Ave. (Ladysmith Secondary School, Ladysmith Primary School, Firehall, Public Works Dept., and RCMP station.
How is it significant to youth? (Youth involvement? Pride?)
• Giving youth this opportunity to feel some ownership and belonging in the community by creating a beautiful mural would be great for Ladysmith youth. The youth that do get to participate would be building relationships with healthy adults which in turn would be good for self esteem.
• Ladysmith Parks, Recreation & Culture, is committed to enhancing the health & quality of life of the community through accessible programs, services, facilities and open spaces.
• The community centre opened in May, 1982, with an original focus on the swimming pool and offering a variety of aquatic programs including lessons and public swims; in 1986 the mandate broadened to include dryland programming.
• In 2003 the local youth centre (operated by the LPRC department) was closed in an effort to embrace youth in the heart of the community at the community centre, and in 2005 the “Rec Room” was opened in the basement for drop-in social opportunities weekly
• The skatepark opened and youth spontaneously gathered throughout the “campus of activities” including Ladysmith Secondary School, the community centre, and the skatepark.
• The department has a primary focus to encourage “active living” and supports social and cultural opportunities for all ages.
Who came up with the idea to produce the mural and why?
• Collaborative brainstorm of Summer Coordinator & Youth Program Coordinator with youth participants, to beautify a grey retaining wall on the street below the community centre parking lot.
• The Summer Coordinator & Youth Program Coordinator wanted the children of Ladysmith to be involved with a community art project.
Is there a story behind the mural itself?
• Ladysmith is a gorgeous town surrounded by natural beauty, therefore the grey retaining wall was a perfect opportunity to allow for the children in our community to be involved in a project that they can talk about with their family and friends. The children can enjoy their art work every time they go to the Frank Jameson Community Center. The mural gave the children a chance to showcase how the small work of an individual can become part of something much bigger. It allowed for the children in our community to leave their mark. The wall was inspired by the famous artists Emily Carr, and The Group of Seven.
What happened during the process that left it incomplete?
• The temporary work term of the Summer Coordinator who was responsible for organizing the project ended, there was no further budget for staff wages, and turnover of youth services leadership due to maternity leave and other employment opportunities.
What will it mean to the town to have it completed?
• Expression of youth engagement, artistic talents,
• Prominent retaining wall has high profile with citizens of all ages who attend the community centre and the other institutions along 6th Ave. (Ladysmith Secondary School, Ladysmith Primary School, Firehall, Public Works Dept., and RCMP station.
How is it significant to youth? (Youth involvement? Pride?)
• Giving youth this opportunity to feel some ownership and belonging in the community by creating a beautiful mural would be great for Ladysmith youth. The youth that do get to participate would be building relationships with healthy adults which in turn would be good for self esteem.