A proper celebration

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This article was published 06/07/2022 (1195 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ST. JAMES-ASSINIBOIA

Though the pandemic halted most in-person celebrations for sunny St. James’ 100th anniversary last year, area groups and residents are making up for the delay (the municipality of St. James was founded in 1921).

Artist and interior designer Jen Mosienko is charging ahead with a new mural honouring the neighbourhood’s centennial. The mural, located at 1741 Portage Ave., spotlights the history, culture and attractions that make St. James unique.

“This has always been one of my favourite areas in the city to paint,” Mosienko said. “My very first mural was in St. James, and I live in St. James. So, it’s a pretty special opportunity to be able to do this one.”

Mosienko is tackling the piece with the help of fellow artist Morgan Biggs.

The mural spells out the neighbourhood’s name, with each letter designed to look like a vignette from a postcard, explained Kristi Meek, president of the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce, the organization spearheading the St. James 100 committee.

“We tried to represent all of the industries,” Meek said.

The ‘S’ portrays parks and recreation, and shows an active transport trail. The ‘T’ illustrates the neighbourhood’s old farmsteads, including an oxcart trail and the historical museum.

“For the period, we have the Canadian maple leaf,” Meek said.

The ‘J’ with its Tiger Moth aircraft, is a nod to St. James’ aviation history. The ‘A’ highlights the area’s natural beauty by showing native plants and insects found at the Living Prairie Museum. The ‘M’ pays homage to healthcare and Deer Lodge Centre.

“Prior to becoming a hospital, it was actually a hotel,” Meek said.

The ‘E’ showcases St. James’ culinary delights, from beer to burgers. And lastly, the ‘S’ depicts Grant’s Old Mill, a historic grain mill on the bank of Sturgeon Creek near Portage Avenue. A native prairie tiger lily, a leopard frog, and a sundial — a nod to the ‘Sunny St. James’ slogan — decorate the piece’s peripheries.

Mosienko anticipates the mural will be completed in the coming weeks.

The Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce will host a community event on Sun., Aug. 14. Details are currently being finalized, but Meek says the event will likely include a barbecue and local dignitaries will be in attendance.

Other organizations involved in the St. James 100 committee include the Living Prairie Museum, St. James Village BIZ, the St. James Assiniboia 55-Plus Centre, the St. James Assiniboia Pioneer Association and Take Pride Winnipeg.

The sport, culture and heritage branch of the Manitoba government is backing the efforts, along with area politicians from each level of government.

Updates on the Aug. 14 community event can be found on the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce’s social media pages and at www.assiniboiachamber.ca