Artistic piece to be donated to Iron Ridge Secondary Campus

In a blend of artistry and heritage, Iron Ridge Secondary Campus is poised to showcase the story and history of Blackfalds. 

Judy Carleton, president of the Blackfalds Historical Society said she was riding her bike a year ago, past the construction site of Iron Ridge Secondary Campus, and thought of the idea of an art piece. 

"Once I talked to Wolf Creek Public Schools, we decided to commission artwork for the school in the foyer,” said Carleton. The artistic reins were handed over to Brian McArthur and Dawn Detarando from Voyager Art and Tile, with Métis artist Dawn Saunders Dahl.

This multimedia piece will blend painting, clay tiles, and glass mosaic to celebrate the natural and cultural history of Blackfalds and its surroundings. 

"This artistic endeavor not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the school but also serves as a valuable educational tool, connecting students with the history of their community,” Tim De Ruyck, Wolf Creek Public Schools superintendent. “We were excited when this opportunity was brought to us. To have a great piece of art donated to the school is a tremendous gift to the school and to the students and staff that will fill the hallways and classrooms very soon. 

The artwork’s theme is based on depicting both natural and cultural history of the area surrounding Blackfalds, dating back to the late 1800s to the early 1900s. It includes the Métis stopping house on the Blindman and C&E Trail just south of town, the Buffalo Lake Trail, the early dam on the Blindman River at Burbank, the C&E Trail, the Natural History Museum which was located in Blackfalds and was western Canada’s first natural history museum. There will also be a QR code for those who want more information and interpretation of the artwork. 

“We are thrilled to have this unique artwork in our school. It will serve as a source of inspiration and pride for our students, reminding them of the rich heritage they are a part of,” said Ed Coles, principal of Iron Ridge Secondary Campus.

The artwork's conceptual drawing was unveiled at a site blessing in September, as the site was blessed by Elder Bert Bull. Iron Ridge Secondary Campus is under construction and will open as grades 9-12 school in September 2024.