John Maclure welcomes back Indigenous Artist
Chantelle Trainor-Matties, an Indigenous artist, has once again graced John Maclure Community School with her extraordinary talent. After completing the captivating thunderbird mural on the school’s exterior in 2022, Trainor-Matties has embarked on a new artistic endeavour to adorn the interior front entrance with a unique Indigenous-themed mural. This vibrant artwork aims to infuse the space with additional colour and warmly welcome all who enter John Maclure.
The mural project commenced in late May, as Trainor-Matties meticulously painted sections of the masterpiece each day. Inspired by her cultural heritage, the artist has incorporated flowing elements into the artwork, symbolizing harmony, movement, and interconnectedness. Fusing traditional Indigenous motifs and contemporary artistic techniques creates a visually captivating and culturally significant mural.
“We are proud to have Chantelle Trainor-Matties on site once again, creating a beautiful mural to welcome people to John Maclure,” said Fay Christie, Principal of John Maclure Community School. “Being a past student, who realized her love of painting while attending John Maclure, makes this even more special.”
One of the distinguishing aspects of Trainor-Matties' mural projects is her dedication to engaging with the community, especially the students. While working on the mural, Trainor-Matties interacts with the students passing by, fostering a sense of connection and artistic inspiration. She even gives them a unique opportunity to contribute to the artwork by allowing them to paint small sections under her guidance. This collaborative approach nurtures their creativity and instills a sense of pride and ownership in the mural.
With Trainor-Matties' artistic vision, she has once more breathed new life into the front entrance of John Maclure Community School, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all. The school administration and staff are immensely grateful for Trainor-Matties' contribution, as they know that the mural will leave a lasting impact on the entire school community.
