Winnipeg Mural of the Year

Earlier today, WCV hosted an award ceremony for Winnpeg’s Mural of the Year in our Flatlanders Greenspace. The beautiful mural ‘Mending‘ on our south wall facing Main street won first place among the 30 new murals in Winnipeg for 2016!

The following are a few thoughts and reflections from John Rademaker regarding the ceremony:

“The Vineyard Church feels privileged and honoured to be the venue for the 2016 Mural of the Year. This project has turned an ugly wall into a significant statement in this locale for the entire city to see and enjoy.

The artistic Craft has been loud and victorious in its expression of a message for all to see. This location has a history of tragedy and compassionate responses to events that have blighted our city in the past. From finding the body of a young aboriginal lady behind the now demolished Yellow Warehouse, to the Memorial Garden commemorating the loss and hurt murdered and missing aboriginal women, this new reminder of our hearts response adds to the voice and sigh of who we as a city really want to be. From the most violent to the most compassionate seems to fit well with who we really are as a city. The mural depicts the many acts of heart mending that occur every day. Whether it’s a humanitarian or spiritually motivated response, the end result is good and right. A broken heart is not something for anyone to carry. Only through our compassion can we help to heal.

It is a message and picture for all to see and own. Many have already driven by or sat in the park and contemplated the message. And many more will.

This church is a patron for healing. The musk ox (on the hat) have their own way. The weak go to the middle of the pack for protection until they are strong enough to come to the outside circle of strength. As a church, we expose the spiritual healing of Jesus’ love and compassion for mankind. Over the years many have seen comfort in this. 

Today as we celebrate all the people that made this mural happen, let’s meditate and internalize the “spirit of mending” towards others and for ourselves.

We thank the committee, the artists, and the organizers for selecting this venue for this marvelous work of art. It will be a lasting tribute to the heart and direction of our city.” ~ John Rademaker

See the MyToba website for more.