The Project
With a theme of whimsy, joy, beauty and hope, artist Billie Rae Busby created a mural in her signature abstract landscape style. Busby developed her design by interviewing staff at the nearby Stanley Jones School (an important landmark in the community) and collecting pictures from community members, via a social media callout, to inspire the mural. She created three sketches for the Renfrew Community Association board to vote on.
The final palette featured nine colours, including a sand and navy blue as an ode to the Stanley Jones School’s sandstone exterior and its longtime school team colour.
The 2021 Community-Run Microgrant
This project was funded as part of the 2021 Community-Run Microgrant. Calgary Arts Development invited proposals for community-initiated public art projects in 2021. Community groups could apply for up to $10,000 from a total funding pool of $100,000, to hire local artists for eligible projects. Funding for this one-time program was provided through the Government of Alberta and The City of Calgary.
Learn more here.