Port Hardy Mural Project
Donation protected
Artist Statement
The images within the mural have been inspired by my experiences growing up in a small northern community on Vancouver Island. Each element of the mural represents both personal connections to the community and the community as a whole. I have spent my entire life in Port Hardy, I grew up attending the local public schools, I have worked in the local business, taken part in local sports teams and participated in community wide celebrations and events for almost 16 years. I have been very lucky to be part of a community where I am known and cared for by the people I have met over the years.
While growing up I have noticed that Port Hardy, like all communities across British Columbia, has been dealing with a silent but devastating substance abuse epidemic and largely unspoken mental health issues. After losing my very close friend in 2017 I was at a loss as to how to deal with the tragedy and to support other youth in the community to seek help before it is too late. I have had the good fortune of being supported in my process by my family and through my artwork. Throughout the last six months I have used art to process my experience of loss and to look for solutions.
The mural I am proposing is a memorial to the members of our community that we have lost to substance abuse and mental health issues. I want to start a conversation about both of these issues within Port Hardy through my art and to bring into the light the struggles so many face on their own. It is only through ongoing and open communication that we are going to heal as a community and provide the appropriate supports our community members require. I would like to contribute to that healing in the way I am best suited, my art work. I hope that this project encourages other community members to step forward with their stories, their gifts and their skills to join the conversation. Every person in our community has value and I want us to learn to appreciate one another as we are.
The images within the mural have been inspired by my experiences growing up in a small northern community on Vancouver Island. Each element of the mural represents both personal connections to the community and the community as a whole. I have spent my entire life in Port Hardy, I grew up attending the local public schools, I have worked in the local business, taken part in local sports teams and participated in community wide celebrations and events for almost 16 years. I have been very lucky to be part of a community where I am known and cared for by the people I have met over the years.
While growing up I have noticed that Port Hardy, like all communities across British Columbia, has been dealing with a silent but devastating substance abuse epidemic and largely unspoken mental health issues. After losing my very close friend in 2017 I was at a loss as to how to deal with the tragedy and to support other youth in the community to seek help before it is too late. I have had the good fortune of being supported in my process by my family and through my artwork. Throughout the last six months I have used art to process my experience of loss and to look for solutions.
The mural I am proposing is a memorial to the members of our community that we have lost to substance abuse and mental health issues. I want to start a conversation about both of these issues within Port Hardy through my art and to bring into the light the struggles so many face on their own. It is only through ongoing and open communication that we are going to heal as a community and provide the appropriate supports our community members require. I would like to contribute to that healing in the way I am best suited, my art work. I hope that this project encourages other community members to step forward with their stories, their gifts and their skills to join the conversation. Every person in our community has value and I want us to learn to appreciate one another as we are.
Organizer and beneficiary
Oceana Argyle
Organizer
Port Hardy, BC
Georgia Argyle
Beneficiary