A mural depicting Alberta wildlife and prairie plants was unveiled Friday on the Citadel Theatre’s north exterior wall in Edmonton. The unveiling was held in conjunction with the Edmonton Mural Festival, with Indigenous Elders Jo-Anna and Dr. Jerry Saddleback and members of the public attending the ceremony. It also coincides with Alberta Culture Days this weekend.

Métis/Cree illustrator Paityn Savoie, who works across paint, print and textiles, created the mural. Known as WÂPOSHPYII, she graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Design in illustration and a minor in printmaking. Her artwork was selected from more than 500 submissions for the theatre space.

The scene shows white-tailed deer moving together through prairie wildflowers, with red-winged blackbirds above. Wild strawberries, blueberries, fireweed and Alberta wild roses appear in the landscape. Savoie said the work drew on the surrounding landscape, local plants and animals, cultural knowledge, the physical space and stories shared by the Saddleback Elders.

“I looked at the surrounding landscape, local plants and animals, cultural knowledge, and the physical space itself, along with stories and knowledge shared by the Saddleback Elders,” she said. “Ultimately, I hope the mural reminds people to take a moment out of their day to indulge in art and beauty; a piece that people can pause in front of, observe, and connect with in their own way.”

Savoie has also painted a mural on Co-Op Place in Wetaskiwin. Citadel executive director Jessie van Rijn said the new work extends the theatre’s presentation of artists and their stories beyond its interior.

“At the Citadel, we have the privilege of hosting artists and their stories not only inside our building, but now on it too, and this incredible mural by Paityn Savoie (WÂPOSHPYII) brings that idea to life,” van Rijn said in a news release. “The mural speaks to gathering, belonging, and connection and is a beautiful addition to the building and our shared downtown community.”

The Citadel will offer free, family-friendly programming on Saturday and Sunday to mark Alberta Culture Days.

Based on reporting by CTV News Edmonton.