Photo: Contributed

Akbal Mund, Susan Lehman, Gabrielle Strong, Annette Sharkey and Aaron Deans unveil the public art work, titled Mosaic River, which 250 people helped create the tile mosaic from May - September 2017 as part of RespectFEST 2017.

The winding Mosaic River was officially unveiled Saturday during a ceremony at Vernon's Cenotaph Park.

Artist Gabrielle Strong, Mayor Akbal Mund, Susan Lehman, executive director of the Downtown Vernon Association and Annette Sharkey, executive director of the Social Planning Council were at the unveiling that also included a smudging ceremony by Mollie Bono of Okanagan Nation and live music from Michael Daniels.

The winding Mosaic River was created through a participatory public art creation process as a legacy project of North Okanagan RespectFest to mark Canada’s 150th anniversary last year.

The artwork signifying the cycle of water is the design of Strong, a Metis woman and graduate of Emily Carr University of Art and Design, who was awarded the commission following a proposal process in May, 2017.

The piece utilizes etched line work, acid staining and colourful mosaic segments in shades of blue and green depicting aspects of the community and environment.

During the summer of 2017, Strong co-ordinated and guided 100s of participants in creating 54 metres of tiles to form the participatory public art piece. Her intent was to inspire respect within the community and a shared commitment to the environment, regardless of culture, race or background.

The Mosaic River was funded by the Downtown Vernon Association, the City of Vernon and the Government of Canada.

RespectFEST 2017 featured dozens of events in and around the city Sept. 18-24, 2017 and was funded in part by the Government of Canada.

The cost for the complete project including expenses, materials, participatory approach, installation and artist’s time is $50,000.