KAWARTHA LAKES-BGC Kawarthas unveiled a new mural at the BGC Warehouse entrance which illustrates the Club’s core values: Belonging, Respect, Encouragement and Support, Working Together, and Speaking
“The mural immediately sets a welcoming tone as you enter the Warehouse, a space used for programming for youth aged 12 – 24,” says Amy Terrill, Executive Director. “Artist Jess Spagnolo has captured the essence of the Club’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in her design and has worked with youth and staff to bring her vision to life.”
Spagnolo’s design includes several silhouettes portraying the different individuals who can feel safe to be themselves at the Club. In addition, she has included four symbols that together acknowledge the Indigenous land we live on and the indigenous peoples who represent this community, the anti-racism values that BGC upholds, equity and unity and togetherness.
“I designed this piece to portray the values that are held here at the Boys and Girls Club,” Spagnolo said.
Spagnolo says the feathers symbolize the indigenous land we inhabit and the acknowledgement of First Nations people within our community. The antiracism fist represents the inclusivity of all races including varying cultural and ethnic backgrounds, the scales are a symbol of equity, the hands represent the value of working together, respect, encouraging one another and inclusion. The silhouettes reflect the diversity within the individuals and how everyone comes together in unity.
Jess Spagnolo is a Toronto-born, Canadian Artist and Muralist. She enrolled at York University’s BFA program in 2011 briefly before changing majors, keeping art as a hobby. Over time, Jess’ desire to pursue her own full time Art business grew, and she has since had the honour of bringing life to walls as she worked in homes, offices, schools, hospitals and more. With over 7 years of mural experience throughout the GTA, and an additional 2 years throughout the Kawartha Lakes, she shares the joys of creativity with a splash of paint and an overflow of imagination.
BGC Kawarthas issued a call for mural submissions in November 2021. Submissions received were evaluated by BGC Kawarthas staff and youth and after careful consideration, Jess Spagnolo’s design was chosen.
