COCHRANE - As you stroll through Cochrane, you might be captivated by the stunning murals of Kat Roy, an artist transforming her hometown with the beauty of nature in every brushstroke.
Roy’s artistic journey began in childhood.
“I always remember doing art in school,” she said.
Roy said she was encouraged by her teachers, especially her Grade 4 teacher, who inspired her to create art for the community.
By the age of 17, she had already begun painting murals around town, including a memorable piece in the bathroom of what was then a family-run campground, now the Polar Bear Habitat.
Art is Roy’s full-time career, a journey that wasn’t always straightforward, she said.
“It's been a long, strange journey to admitting that I'm an artist,” Roy said.
“It wasn't something that I walked towards with confidence at all times, but it is who I've become.”
Roy’s artistic flair extends to unique creations, such as refrigerator magnets made from moose teeth, each adorned with tiny painted sunsets.
“Moose bones are my muse. They fascinate me endlessly, and I think every fridge could use a moose tooth on it,” she said.
“It's still part of my journey. I've even snuck some teeth into my recent work.”
Roy attributes her nature-focused artwork to her upbringing in Cochrane and the experiences at her family’s campground.
“Growing up here has been so important to me. The town is small, and the forest is close—it shapes me and the people around me. I just love to spread that joy,” she said.
Roy said she hopes her artwork helps bring local nature indoors.
“Nature connects us all, and it heals us. I want people to connect with that, as we all have our own relationship with nature,” she said.
Roy’s recent work has taken off after painting windows at the Railway Cafe, which closed its doors in July.
“I painted a theme of local animals and local plants,” she said.
SEE: End of the line for Cochrane's Railway Cafe
This project garnered attention, leading to further opportunities, including a window mural at Wallace Drug Store.
“From there, three jobs blossomed, and I’ve been busy ever since,” Roy said.
While painting at the drugstore, she engaged with locals who shared stories tied to her imagery, connecting her work to their personal histories.
“They each had a different story to tell about the images I was painting. Like a story about swimming at the beach or a story about being friends with the former owners of the drugstore,” she said.
Currently, Roy is working on a large mural at the Cochrane Public Library.
“I’m two weeks in, and it should take about six weeks total,” she said.
SEE: Colourful Cochrane murals celebrate history, diversity
Acting Assistant to the CEO Heather Brouwer said the mural is 10 by 16 feet. The project is the biggest and longest-term Roy’s ever undertaken.
“I’ve received lots of encouragement and have even had someone sit with me weekly to learn more about painting,” she said.
“There is an artist on staff at the library that I also hope will have the time to kind of put her brush to the wall. So, I'm open to other people jumping in.”
Roy said her husband plays a crucial role in her success, assisting with digital work and inspiring her along the way.
“My husband is the backbone behind a lot of my projects… He's also an artist, but he's kind of an unspoken artist. He doesn't share his work, but his guidance and enthusiasm has helped me with everything I do,” she said.
Roy said the community’s positive feedback regarding her recent work is overwhelming.
“Grateful is the word. It’s mind-blowing to think about how many people I’ve touched with my art,” she said.
Looking ahead, Roy said she’s excited for future projects.
“I see myself drawing back into smaller projects until the next big thing comes along. I thrive when my community calls upon me,” she said.
