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847 Notre Dame Avenue
'Folklorama 50'.
A highly detailed Mural commemorating 50 Years of Folklorama.
Photos 2-8:Detail shots; Photos 9 & 10: Mural unveiling: Photos 11-14: In progress shots.
This beautiful artwork was rendered in 2019 by Mandy van Leeuwen and Franklin Fernando; with sponsorship by Dulux Paints, Herc Rentals, Take Pride Winnipeg and West End BIZ. In 2022 the Mural disappeared from view when a new building was constructed right against this one; though technically it still exists.
Original Notes follow:
Mural of the Year 2019
Mandy van Leeuwen "When I was invited to create this project, I knew I had to
consider many factors; not only did I have the exciting challenge to develop a concept that
holds the importance of celebrating a multitude of cultures, also, the wall chosen needed
significant repairs. It was clear that the project would input a renewed appreciation to the
current streetscape and already enriched cultural neighbourhood, but also at a location that
appeared rightful for the tribute. I was honored to be asked by the West End Biz, Take Pride
Winnipeg and Folklorama to collaborate on a concept that would celebrate the world's largest and longest
running multicultural festival that marked 50 years in 2019. The artwork concept was
informed by past photographs chosen to highlight cultures in a way that would stand
together - without borders. Folklorama's colorful block letter scene is set in a Manitoba
landscape featuring a road to Winnipeg. Other elements include objects and icons that
commemorate the city's multicultural community."
"It was important that the Mural have longevity, that meant getting the wall ready for new
layers of paint that would eventually allow for several weeks of the Mural creation that was
timed to coincide with the festival's anniversary. The first week was spent on the wall's
preparation; it was heavy-duty work to power-wash and hand scrape old loose paint, some
patching and then priming. A number of helping hands joined to assist in this process, as it
was a wall in a state of disrepair that was considered as a big challenge to renew."
"Following this preparation, I looked for assistance in the creation of this grand-scale
project and met with Winnipeg artist Franklin Fernando. While he was new to Murals at the
time, I was instantly drawn to his artwork portfolio and passion for art. Working with
Franklin brought memorable sustenance into the spirit of the work as well as an exciting
creation that blended our artistic styles. Through the long hours spent working in hot
Manitoba summer heat we can both attest that the making of this project will forever hold a
new artistic friendship and a lasting shared experience that can only infuse further positive
transformations."
"Working in an outdoor urban setting has aspects that you just can't plan for, such as
encountering the aftermath of an incident from the night before. This promotes a hyper
awareness of the site's surroundings and places great importance on safe work practices
while conveying respect to the area, in hopes to contribute positively to what was
previously left in a decayed state. As this process unfolded, many members of the
community visited and cheered us on, other moments were unnerving. We enjoyed our
daily supportive visits from our new friends at Laufman Reprographics, who were
enthusiastic and appreciative of the art being created on their building. That said, each
Mural I have developed is unique to the neighbourhood it is created in and offers a kind of
connection with passers-by that can't be found in a private studio or gallery, making it an
experience for both the public and the team behind the work."
Folklorama Mural Content:
F- First Nations Tipi Scene (Photo permission by Andre Brandt)
O- Irish Dance attire (Photo 2)
L- Tamil Dance (Photo 3)
K- Hungarian Bottle Dance (Photo 3)
L- Israeli Dance attire (Photo 4)
O-Ethiopian (Photo 4)
R- Chilean, Argentinean (Photo 5)
A-Polish embroidery/beads (Photo 5)
M- Brazilian Headpiece (Photo 6)
A-Mexico Sombrero (Photo 6)
Items in the scene:
- Winnipeg city skyline
- Chinese dragon
- Folklorama 50 passport
- Greek vase
- Folklorama Lama
- Ukrainian head dress
- Japanese lanterns
- African drum
- Filipino Umbrella
- Viking Hat
- Scottish bagpipes
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- Argentinian fine wine
- Slovenija wine barrel
- Portugal Rooster
- Metis sash
- Perogy
- Four leaf clover- Irish
- German stein
- Russian doll
- King Tut- Egypt
- Maraca- Caribbean
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