Talk about the Scandinavian Cultural Centre’s Mural ‘Viking Spirit’ won’t end soon as The Murals of Winnipeg have recognized the project as the 2021 Mural of the Year. This is also the celebrated mural artist Charlie Johnston aka C5Charlie’s seventh win.
The centre commissioned the mural to celebrate its 60th anniversary, wanting a design representing the member clubs of the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. President of the Swedish Cultural Association, Sonja Lundstrom, says the centre couldn’t be more excited with how the mural turned out and how much attention the wrap-around mural has received.
“One lady said she thought it was a vacant building, and now she knows it’s alive. We invite folks to come here to dance, sing, and play with us. We’re so excited to celebrate our Nordic cultures here in the province of Manitoba.”
Johnston, who has created over 40 outdoor murals throughout Winnipeg, put tremendous time and effort into the mural, often working under the hot Manitoba sun last summer. In the end, Johnston is proud to provide his services and create a project which brings so much joy.
“I love seeing the level of engagement and appreciation for the art form coming from my clients. They also become my friends. It’s not a formal relationship; it’s a dynamic, creative relationship. I love to see the inspiration they have all gained for themselves and their communities in this piece of public art.”
Murals of Winnipeg held a celebration luncheon at the centre, inviting Johnston, club members, the community, and judges to honour the Scandinavian Cultural Centre and the effort to create this mural.
Murals of Winnipeg is a website and hobby and labour of love for the outdoor art in Winnipeg, and a three-way partnership between Buchanan, his wife, and their friend Bob Bruce. In 2002, Buchanan and Louise decided to scour the city to find them all, the origin of Murals of Winnipeg, a website devoted to Winnipeg’s murals and outdoor art and the artists who render them.
“I’m one of the people who feel we can enhance the quality of life through art. Murals are free, and you don’t have to pay and go to an art gallery. It’s public art and accessible to everyone.”
You can find ‘Viking Spirit’ at the Scandinavian Cultural Centre, 764 Erin St, Winnipeg, MB.
The centre has more this summer, with a Midsommar parade and dancing around the Maypol on June 26 at the Swedish Canadian Home, 5419 Roblin Blvd. The centre and its clubs will also be at Folklorama with the theme of Midsommar.
https://www.scandinaviancentre.ca/
Related articles:
Scandinavian Centre Unveils New Mural
New mural representing Scandinavian culture to be inaugurated this summer
– Ryan Funk, U Multicultural
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of U Multicultural.
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