With files from St. Alban’s priest-in-charge, the Reverend John Firmston
The Vancouver suburb of Richmond, BC is the latest locale to receive a mural created by well -known Vancouver artist Joey Mallett.
The mural, located on the exterior north wall of the St. Alban’s parish hall overlooking the church’s outdoor labyrinth compound features three panels. The image on the left is a replica of the 'Seraph' panel on a clerestory window at Chartres Cathedral in France. The Seraph is mentioned in the 6th chapter of the prophet Isaiah, in his vision of the temple and was the first to proclaim the words of our Sanctus - "Holy Holy Holy, Lord God of Hosts."
The image on the right was inspired by the stained glass of Chartres but is Joey Mallett's own creation.
The centre panel bears the words, "You are Here" which bring to mind the themes of 'mindfulness' and 'presence' which are so much a part of the labyrinth experience.
This project was developed and pursued by the St. Alban’s Labyrinth Committee and was funded by a grant from the City of Richmond. The mural contract was signed by Larry Scherben, ODNW representing the Parish of St. Alban, the artist Joey Mallett and the City of Richmond on July 18, 2016. The grant was for $10,000. Work by the artist and her team began on August 8 and was completed August 30.
Mural artist Joey Mallett began painting murals in 1997. One of her better known works is in collaboration with artist Rita Buckwitz, the “St. James” mural at Gore and Powell in Vancouver’s downtown eastside, created in honour of the City of Vancouver’s 125th Anniversary in 2011.
A brief service of dedication will take place on the site after the principal 10am Celebration of the Eucharist on Sunday, September 25 (approximately 11:15am).
Images
- The completed mural
- Drawing the outline
- The artist
PHOTOS: Larry Scherben, ODNW