A Dawson Creek mural artist has completed a challenging new piece, adding to the vibrant art scene in Fort St. John.
Alisa Parenteau began working on a mural back in July, completely revitalizing the outside wall of the Treaty 8 office building on 100 Avenue in Fort St. John.
The 34-year-old works as graphic recording and has been drawing since childhood, but this was her first-ever mural.
“The mural sends a message of strength and resilience. It shows the inner beauty that a lot of women I know have, especially in the region,” she said.
Parenteau’s mural is 25 feet tall and 99 feet wide and features the impressive figure of a Cree woman over a green forest backdrop.
She took on the demanding project after the wall was vandalized in February with hate language and swastikas.
Parenteau said she found inspiration in a vivid and intense dream she had in 2023.
“I had a really vivid dream of myself painting the mural. When I woke up, I drew what I saw in my dream and sent it to the Treaty 8 office director, whom I know personally from working there in the past, and she loved it,” explained Parenteau.
The project came with several challenges. Before she could start to paint, Parenteau had to take a course to learn how to operate a scissor lift.
Parenteau said weather related issues extended the project length, but she completed it in September.
“I was really blessed with the community’s support. A lot of people would yell out their car windows, saying it looked great!” she said.