TIMMINS - The Timmins Public Library has revealed its new sign and new mural, almost.
As part of the library’s 100th-anniversary celebrations, a mural of 49 canvases painted by community members has been installed above the main entrance to the main branch, along with new signage.
While artists, staff, board members, and community gathered to see the unveiling, the covering did not come off, and the mural remained mostly covered.
“We thought we had it all figured out,” said Timmins Public Library CEO Carole-Ann Demers. “The 100th anniversary planning has been long, but it’s so worth it.”
Library head of technical support and systems Karina Douglas-Takayesu, who was the driving force behind this project, had backup plan. A smaller draft version of the mural was displayed so attendees could get a sense of what the finished project looked like.
She said that even with the snag in the reveal, it’s good to have the project done, and she appreciates all the work the Porcupine Art Club put into the mural.
“Even though the art club did a mural in 2022 for the Queen’s jubilee, there’s always different things and a much different set-up,” she said.
There was a large painting event during the library’s 100th anniversary celebrations this summer at Hollinger Park, where a lot of the work got done.
“We had almost everything done, but there were just some little things we had to do, some minor adjustments,” said Douglas-Takayesu.
The mural represents the history and community-building potential of the public library, with figures representing different periods in the city arranged in a heart shape.
A maintenance crew will uncover the mural on Thursday, and anyone interested is invited to stop by and take a look.
“Even though I’ve been looking at it through all the different stations, I’ve never had a chance to see it in full and to see it not flat,” said Douglas-Takayesu.
Demers said she hopes that there will be some kind of more permanent acknowledgement of the artists who painted the 49 canvases for the mural in the future. For now a list of names is available at the library.
“This screams community to me,” she said. “We’re thinking about some kind of recognition plaque once we have all the names.”
Demers said anyone who has painted a canvas for the event can reach out to the library and ensure their name is on the list.
