Cochranites have the opportunity to immortalize a piece of their art or photograph in a new interactive mosaic mural.

The Cochrane and Area Events Society (CAES), with funding from the Government of Canada, is planning the new artwork to commemorate the community getting through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Last year, it was brought to our attention that the federal government was offering a grant in order to recognize and celebrate all of the events that touched our lives during COVID” explains Marina Chabbert, of the Cochrane and Area Events Society. “We thought this would be a really great opportunity to highlight all of the good things that have happened in our community.”

The mosaic mural will be of two young children with an iconic Cochrane landmark, the Grandfather Tree. 

“It is such a beloved symbol in Cochrane and it symbolizes the deep roots that we have as a community. That is also illustrated by holding hands which really symbolizes just our nature to help each other out. 

“We're so deep-rooted in this community, it's just something we wanted to draw on.”

CAES is looking to Cochranites to submit entries to fill in a square of the mural that will be placed on the west-facing wall of Lube City, overlooking The Station. 

“We need a whole bunch of submission on it. We will be accepting regular photographs, as well as artwork.”

The mosaic mural will also feature an interactive element online. Visitors will be able to click on the squares for a closer look at the submissions and read accompanied stories of the pandemic attached.

“Acts of kindness, new friends, sad losses, loneliness, hopes, new experiences, community stories, the support provided for local businesses and challenges faced and overcome.”

Two free workshops are being hosted by CAES at Route 22 where community members can both create and submit their artwork for the mural. Registration is required for the event and can be done here and here.