A window mural design has been chosen to brighten up Okotoks town hall for the holidays.
In a Nov. 8 press release, the Okotoks Arts Council (OAC) and Town of Okotoks Culture & Heritage announced artist Scott Clark was selected for the 2022 Holiday Window Painting Contest to create the window design for the Okotoks Municipal Centre’s glass facade.
“I wanted to create a design which flows and is full of whimsy, beauty and movement,” Clark said in the OAC press release. “I will incorporate a bright, bold contrasting palette to make the window design pop.”
Dubbed The Bridge, Clark’s concept design features a flow of diverse imagery, from classic Christmas motifs to a Hanukkah menorah and more general symbols of peace and festivity.
“I wanted to make sure the design was inclusive, and used imagery that’s not totally Christmas,” Clark said in a phone interview.
“This way everybody feels good about the imagery.”
This isn’t the artist’s first large-format project ether.
“I feel very pleased and honoured to be selected for this,” Clark said. “I’ve done quite a few murals in Calgary over the last 20 years, but this will be my first special window painting.”
A graduate of the Alberta College of Art and Design, now the Alberta University of the Arts, Clark has been practising not just as an artist but also as a house painter since he was a teenager.
“I’ve been doing house painting and art since I was 16, and that helped me cross over into the art field where I was given the opportunity to paint murals with youth,” Clark said, adding investment by municipalities in public art is key.
“Over the years it's really good to see that cities are investing in the arts and opening up opportunities for artists to get paid for their art.”
Work painting the mural will take place between Nov. 14 and 18 and remain in place until the end of January.
In the press release, OAC president Russell Thomas remarked on the positive partnership with the Town, and Clark.
“We’re excited to work with our Culture and Heritage partners to support this project," Russell said in the statement. “Scott’s body of work is truly expressive and his vision for the mural aligns beautifully with the spirit of the season.”
For more information, visit okotoksartscouncil.ca
