The official launch party of UpLift Mural Festival took place on Friday April 29.
The Jasper Pizza Place patio was absolutely vibin’ as DJs, special presenters and artists took to the stage to celebrate the two-week festival.
The evening’s big reveal was the showpiece mural done by renown Indigenous artist, Kalum Teke Dan. The 48-year-old Calgarian finished the wall with minutes to spare before his 5 p.m. deadline.
Teke Dan said the piece represents pride.
“I’m trying to portray pride,” he said. “My people’s pride was taken away. I want people to feel proud when they see my work.”
Murals have sprung up in downtown Jasper—on the Bear’s Paw Bakery exterior, the Vlahos building behind Timberwolf and the large east-facing facade on the side of the Koebel building, home to Famoso Pizzaria, Coin Clean Laundry and Andromeda Coffee House.
The UpLift Mural Festival is deliberately making space for Indigenous artists and Indigenous stories. After local knowledge keeper Matricia Brown gave a land acknowledgement, recognizing the festival is taking place on traditional Danezaa (Beaver), Nêhiyawak (Cree), Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Secwépemc (Shuswap), Stoney Nakoda and Métis lands, Tasidy Short, who has been working to bring awareness to the #everychildmatters campaign, spoke of the indescribable conditions residential school children and their families had to endure for decades. Her passionate address was followed by a Round Dance in honour of those who suffered at the hands of the Canadian government and the Catholic Church.
UpLift Festival founders Logan Ireland and Oliver Andrew thanked the crowd, the artists, the sponsors and the volunteers.
Artist Keenan Sillence and his parents, Theresa and Darian.
Patrons viewing artist Kalum Teke Dan’s “A journey through visions” promotional booklet.
Local elected officials, including Mayor Richard Ireland and Councillor Wendy Hall, were all smiles.
The UpLift Mural Festival continues until May 8. The next event is a May 4 Block Party at the location of Montreal-based artist Fluke’s mural, 607 Patricia Street.
Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com
