CITIZENSHIP HIGHLIGHT PARTICIPATION

Having opportunities to share one’s unique gifts and talents with others is an important part of citizenship. Scott is a talented artist who has spent decades honing his craft and engaging in art activism. As an artist Scott is inspired by new and imaginative ideas and ways of being: “Most of the time it is out of my own head, it’s imaginary but I make it come out like a real thing…I bring them to life”.

This past year Skills Society commissioned Scott, through the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts, to develop and paint a mural in our main office. Scott shared that the main theme is community - people being together, everyone having something to contribute and being valued for that.

“It’s all partners working together on the same thing. There’s no right or wrong, everybody can do their own style. It’s all about friendship, getting along with your neighbours, doing things together”.

This was Scott’s first time developing a mural and with support from the Edmonton Arts Council he had the opportunity to be mentored by artist Emily Chu. Scott loved the process, sharing that he enjoyed working collaboratively on the concept and that it allowed for people to witness his creative process in action, often stopping by to ask questions or watch as the mural came to life.

As a citizen making positive change in the world, Scott identifies as a Dreamer, imagining and illuminating new ways of being in the world through art.