A group of Bashaw residents has come together to bring new life to a beloved community mural is about halfway to their goal and is holding a benefit to raise the needed funds.
The Bashaw Mural Restoration Project has raised $3,000 of the $6,000 needed to restore the Corner Grocery Store mural. It was painted by Ed McFadden and his sister Mary Kinsella in 2006, although Kinsella said she was more of an assistant that helped realize her brother’s vision.
The mural that spans the whole length of the north side of the store depicts the evolution of the and and people, from before mankind was, to the First Nations people’s way of life, to when settlers came and agriculture, the railway, community sports, wartime and other developments came to be.
Featured prominently, high and centred above the grain elevator is a portrait of Eugene Bashaw, who the town was named after.
Kinsella, a longtime member of the Bashaw Art Club, said the mural is something most Bashaw residents relate to, as they’ve all heard the stories of the history of the area, and where there families came from before settling here.
McFadden, born and raised in Bashaw, was a prolific artist who left an indelible mark on the local community, with much of his work still evident in signs, murals, and the ceiling of the Majestic Theatre, and other work throughout central Alberta. He was declared legally blind in 2008 and passed away in 2020, however his work remains for others to enjoy.
The Corner Store mural was one of list last major projects.
Kinsella’s home is a piece of preserved history as well, not just of the early days of Bashaw, but of McFadden’s artwork as well.
In her home, which happens to be historical home of James Marshall, Bashaw’s first school teacher in 1912, several of McFadden’s paintings hang. When he’d write a letter, he’d paint an idyllic scene on the envelope, several of which are also on display.
The Corner Grocery Store mural is now weathered, the once-vibrant colours and scenes faded, the paint flaking in places.
The Bashaw Mural Restoration Project 2022 in cooperation with Friends of the Majestic Theatre Society along with a group of local patrons, have come to an agreement with artist Dwight Lockhart to restore the mural.
The funds needed will cover the cost of the work. The group is also responsible for lodging Lockhart while he is in Bashaw. The Bear Hills Family Wellness Centre has donated the accommodations.
Lockhart has agreed to start restoring the mural the first week of August completing the restoration in time for Bashaw Hometown Days.
A benefit concert for the restoration project is being held at the Majestic Theatre on July 28.
The evening will begin with cocktails at 5 p.m., then dinner at 6 and entertainment will start at 7.
For $5 entrance, enjoy beef or pork on a bun, salad and dessert. There will be a 50/50 draw, silent auction and a cash bar.
Tickets are available at Bashaw Groceries, or by calling Boileau at 403-588-9958.
Those who would be interested in performing one or two musical numbers on stage for the event are asked to contact Kinsella at 780-372-4341.
Donations to the project can be made directly to the Majestic Theatre for the mural project. Any access funds raised will be donated to charity.