Mount Royal University Centennial

After more than a year of celebrations and events including book launches, conferences, parades and even a commemorative beer, Mount Royal University wrapped up the celebration of its centennial with the unveiling of a mural mosaic.

President David Docherty unveils the centernnial mural mosaic with help from Phil Alain and Lewis Lavoie.

The mosaic is made up of 180 paintings of significant people, landmarks and achievements from Mount Royal’s first 100 years. In its entirety, the mural forms an image of Mount Royal’s founding principal, Rev. Dr. George William Kerby holding an open book filled with stories.

The coloured swirls of stories spilling from the book intertwine, connecting Mount Royal’s past, present and future.

Each panel was created by a member of the Mount Royal community, including alumni, staff and students, as well as lead artist Lewis Lavoie. Collaborating with the centennial committee on the overall image, Lavoie created the final version and the base panels for the artists to work from. Lavoie provided each artist with a panel featuring the rough colour suggestions, but left it up to the individual artist to create the finished product. For a detailed look at the mural mosaic process, visit the centennial web page.

Setting the tone for the next 100 years

Remarkably, none of the artists (including Lavoie himself) had actually seen the entire mural fully assembled prior to the unveiling. “The massive size of this finished product and the size of my studio meant I had to build the piece in sections and assemble onsite,” said Lavoie, who travelled from St. Albert, Alberta to install the mural. “Seeing it together like this, in its final location really greets the viewer and sets the tone for the entire Mount Royal experience.”

An interactive touchscreen allows viewers to learn more about each panel and donate toward a panel of their choice.

“A university needs to know its roots, remembering that it was founded by a real person – someone with goals and dreams and desires – and if you are honouring 100 years of history, it might as well be Rev. Kerby.”

Creating community

For the contributing artists, being able to participate in a lasting part of the centennial helped foster a sense of community throughout Mount Royal. For Library Assistant Judy Trafford, creating the panels gave her an outlet to express her pride in Mount Royal while doing something she loves. “With all the Centennial events and actions going on, it is wonderful to be a small part of the big picture,” said Judy, who contributed six panels to the mural. “It was great to work with Louis, and he provided excellent guidance while giving me room to be creative.”

Support a piece of history The Centennial kiosk also provides an opportunity to support the institution, as individuals and groups are able to contribute a donation toward the panel of their choice. Donors will be recognized for their contribution with an individual mural panel dedicated in their name. The newly published Mount Royal University – A Work of Art includes beautiful images of each panel and their accompanying stories is also available for purchase from Mount Royal’s Bookstore or online.

For Lavoie, working with the diverse population of Mount Royal helped him get a sense of that same community. “Working with all the artists has been great – there is no shortage of talent here at MRU,” said Lavoie.

“It is a bit of a trust thing – I have no idea what people are going to produce once I give them the panel. The real desire is to engage as many people with different walks of life and skill levels as possible, and fit their talents with the different areas of the mosaic.”

An interactive and evolving experience

The mural mosaic is a unique initiative, bringing Mount Royal’s history to life using innovative technology, stories and imagery while also encouraging individuals in the community to feel a part of something larger. A touch screen kiosk placed below the mural invites people to interact with each individual piece and learn more about the panel’s artist and how the subject has contributed to Mount Royal’s history.

For Mount Royal's President David Docherty, the mosaic is one of many lasting legacies of the centennial celebration. "With our continuing plan to plant a tree for every incoming class, our Legacy of Ideas speaker series and the Military Memorial bursary program, the impact of our centennial celebration on campus will be felt for years to come."

For more images of the mural unveiling and the closing ceremonies, visit Mount Royal's centennial gallery.

— Colin Brandt, Nov. 23, 2011