Steve Wilson: "The Main Street Project wanted to celebrate their 30th anniversary. The
Main Street Project is an institution in this neighbourhood and they do a lot of good work
in conjunction with the Salvation Army, Aboriginal Centre and Thunderbird House.
They commissioned two of our artists, Richard Manoakeesick and Chad Reeves to do this
Mural. It depicts Main Street where the Main Street Project originated, out of the place
named Jacks. Included in the scene are painted some of the people involved in founding
the Main Street Project."
"We had to hurry a bit to complete it because they wanted in time for their annual
meeting. Right in the parking lot, they had their annual meeting and the unveiling and
dedication of the Mural and their 25th anniversary celebrations. It was a little bit tricky
to paint because the wheelchair ramp is right there and we had to maintain a constant
access to the building because many of the Main Street Project clients are in
wheelchairs."
"Another thing that the client wanted to show all the partners in their success; so you'll
see an ambulance (they really work close with the ambulance service); you'll see a police
car (the police manage the overnight holding facility); and also you'll see the Main Street
Project Van. The Main Street Project sends out a Van every single night and just looks
for people who are in distress."
"This was the first time I got to meet Mr. Magnus Eliason, an influential man in this city
who has do a lot of kind work in the community. He serves on the Main Street Project
board, and there's a community center on Langside named after him. He was present and
involved with our discussions on concept and design and it was quite an honour to meet
him."
