If you have been driving along First Ave. NW recently, you might have noticed one of Moose Jaw’s murals looks a bit different.
Over the last week or so, the Fire Watch mural has been altered slightly by incorporating a brand new background. The new paint job is eye-catching. Artist Grant McLaughlin, who painted the mural in 2009, says the murals board wanted to freshen up its appearance. The mural itself, which was initially painted onto removable panels, remains unchanged.
“The reason it was painted on panels is because the stucco will only hold the paint for so long. It was about 10 years old and starting to peel, so I thought if I’m going to repaint it let’s change the background a bit and create some added interest in it.”
Changing up the design reminds people that the mural is there.
“I try to get people to look at it, make it a little bit different, so they kind of remember it. And it makes it a little more interesting, rather than paint it all the same. Most of these projects I have to make them look exactly as they are, but this was mine so I could change it. I just have a bit fun with it.”
McLaughlin is an accomplished artist who has painted several of the city’s murals. He has also painted murals in Brooks, Alberta and in Yorkton. Additionally, McLaughlin is renowned for sculptures, such as the turtle in Wakamow Valley and a moose for Riverton, Manitoba. He stays busy throughout the summer months by working with the murals board to look after the city's beloved murals.
“I kind of hop from one mural to the next,” said McLaughlin, adding that most murals are expected to last about 20 years. Some of the city’s murals are closer to 30 years in age.
Although “most people driving by wouldn’t even notice,” eventually the paint starts to fade and then peel, particularly if it is on stucco or older brick surfaces.
“I go around and check them and mark down the ones that need the more immediate work and things that might help slow the others down from deterioration. It’s sort of like repainting house — you have to do it every so often. These are even fussier than a house is because you are painting layers. Depending on who painted it, it might be five layers thick in one sport or two in another, so you have to make it all work together. There is a continual upkeep on murals. The ones on panels probably need it the least.”
Last year he updated The Lady and the Cow, which was originally painted in 1991. He recreated the mural and placed into onto panels. McLaughlin says the power lines in the area proved to be a safety concern, so he opted to do what he could.
“I said I won’t come in and work on that one, but I will do a different version that is smaller on panels. It gives you a different look because people can see how the old one has aged.”
Caring for the murals keeps McLaughlin busy, but he enjoys the work.
“The murals board say they are going to quit when I quit, so I have to keep working,” joked McLaughlin. “It keeps me busy.”
