Woodland Mural Art Project Unveiling and Celebration September 30, 2023 | Art Gallery of Algoma

On September 30th, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Art Gallery of Algoma unveiled the Woodland Mural on the north wall of the Gallery. This mural was painted by youth from the Indigenous Friendship Centre (IFC) under project lead, Lucia Laford, Indigenous artist and educator. Mayor Matthew Shoemaker and Chief Mark McCoy from Batchewana First Nation unveiled the mural. Remarks were made by MPP Ross Romano and the Honourable Patricia Bovey, retired Senator. A song was performed by Brad Robinson, Amanda Cora, Adrienne Beaupré and Lucia Laford. This beautiful mural signifies the importance of Indigenous youth for our community. It was a day to remember and also look into the future. The AGA is grateful for the support of the Ontario Arts Council and the IFC for making this project possible. This event was part of Ontario Culture Days Festival.

Youth mural participants were Lucia Cameron, Ceana Churchill, Jasper Corbeil, Jamie Coughlin, Lauren Coughlin, Rachel Fetherston, Chloe Hodgins, Isabella Hodgins, Molly MacDonald, Annyssa Miles, Lia Munroe, Charlotte Pinnell-Berry, Teah Roach, Noah Roberts, Vance Trudeau, Kyra Verville, Alice Vosper, and Reynelle Wemigwans.


The AGA was founded as a non-profit public art gallery and incorporated on July 7, 1975. Established by a group of dedicated volunteers and art enthusiasts, the AGA honours its roots as a community organization with its mission statement - to be a gathering place that celebrates and preserves cultural expression. The AGA moved to its present location next to the scenic and historic St. Mary's River in 1980, a 10,000-square-foot facility including four exhibition spaces, the Ken Danby Education Studio, the Gallery Café and the AGA Gallery Shop. With the appointment of Director Jasmina Jovanovic in August 2011, the AGA looks forward to the next phase in its evolution: establishing and implementing exciting new initiatives, becoming more involved in the national contemporary art scene, and continuing to uphold its multifaceted mandate.