Sowing the seeds of love

River Park South

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/08/2023 (775 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

This time around, I would like to introduce you to Ryan Loeppky, long time River Park South resident, accomplished artist, and veteran art teacher.

If you frequent the field behind Samuel Burland School, drive down Burland Avenue, or use the active transportation path in that area, you may have seen his work. On an east facing fence, with Yoda for a neighbour, his most recent installation, and the inspiration for this column, is all about ‘love.’

In a time when fear is too much a part of our world and our communities, Ryan decided to put his artistic talents to good use with the goal of reminding folks that love is universal, and a plentiful and accessible antidote to hate, intolerance and injustice.

The massive canvas he planned, painted and hung for all to see is the third in a series that began with the arrival of a global pandemic; the first a timely message from Yoda, the second aresponse to global conflicts and hostility. Have I managed to pique your interest? If you want to know more, you will have to make the trip and see for yourself.

Ryan is quick to give credit to his co-collaborators — his wife Andrea and kids Jonah, Zara and Annika, who assisted in the design process, and the RPS community for providing the languages of ‘love’ depicted.

Not surprisingly, the response from area residents has been positive. The RPS Facebook page lit up when a photo was posted with ‘awesome,’ ‘fantastic’ and ‘amazing’ used in response. That we even need a reminder to move through our days and engage with our fellow human beings extending kindness and empathy is also not surprising, but thankfully there are many who will do just that, including the Loeppky family.

Demonstrating compassion, caring and respect, and engaging in acts of friendship and generosity go a long way to neutralizing hateful, bigoted, and racist sentiments, and the verbal and physical aggression that are often part of it. Props to the Loeppkys for finding a way to bring community together to remind all of us of the value and need for warm and caring words and deeds.

River Park South and everyone who lives in our thriving community is better for your compassionate efforts and the time you have invested in reminding us of the value of showing love.