An Expression of Love
Brantford's newest mural calls for community unity.
Maichina Veri, September 06, 2022 // Brantford, Ontario
The completed mural at Galaxy Motel. Photo Credit: Robyn Lightwalker.
After conversations with several young former Brantford residents, Angel Panag had an idea to help bridge divides in our community and give residents something to be proud of. He developed a rough plan for a mural, then reached out to Hamilton artist Robyn Lightwalker to develop the idea with her flair for a final design. Robyn, with the help of artist Felipe Encina and Angel’s concept, came up with a mural that not only recognizes two of the area’s most famous residents, but also our highly important connection to Six Nations. Angel’s idea for bridge building, and behind community pride, is to recognize that we have the ability to go so much further as a community with unity and respect for one another.
Robyn grew up in an artistic family and made a career for herself as an artist. Felipe, a Haudenosaunee artist, has been drawing since he was a kid. Together, with the help of Robyn’s apprentice Natasha Rose, they painted a bright-coloured mural that depicts Alexander Graham Bell, Wayne Gretzky, the Grand River, the Six Nations flag, the Peace Tree and an eagle.
Hard at work on Brantford's latest masterpiece. Photo Credit: Robyn Lightwalker
On the first day of painting, the artists received a welcomed guest. An eagle flew overhead, which Robyn described as really cool and she said she felt a sense of approval. Felipe says the eagle’s presence was a sign, kind of like “a wink, a prayer.”
The artists hope people who see the mural feel a sense of pride and see the magic that’s all around them. To view the mural for yourself, visit the Galaxy Motel at 950 Colborne St. in Brantford. The mural can be found on an exterior wall opposite the garden. Galaxy Motel welcomes you to say as long as you’d like, but please be mindful of ongoing renovations.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Maichina Veri is a writer based in Brantford, Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Montreal’s Concordia University and has a background in Journalism – Print from Niagara College.