Artist Jeff Goring works on a mural this past weekend to wrap up Mural Fest.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@mocranker
The second annual Mural Fest came to a close this weekend, and the final creation this year is meant to spread hope in the community.
Organizer Jeff Goring painted a large mural with the words, “YOU HAVE A HOPE AND A FUTURE,” downtown with the intention of spreading good vibes during a difficult time. The mural is on the side of The Hat’s Olive Tap on Second Street.
“We had an artist booked for this wall originally, but he got a job in New York and it was just too sweet to pass up,” said event organizer and mural artist Jeff Goring. “We had the wall and I haven’t actually done a mural for Mural Fest yet, so I figured this was the perfect weekend to do it.”
Goring says he scrambled for sponsors last minute and was amazed by the support from a number of businesses and individuals who helped him out.
“I just wanted to spread a bit of positivity in the community,” said Goring. “I’m going to add a few suicide awareness lines, crisis lines and kids help lines to the mural.
“I want everyone to know that they can come to the mural and get good information for the help lines.”
As for the wording, Goring hopes it can inspire people going through tough times.
“Sometimes life sucks and it can be really hard, but people need to know they have a hope and a future,” said Goring. “I know there’s been a lot off talk about mental health in Medicine Hat right now, and I hope this can add to that in a positive way.”
Goring says the wording was inspired by the bible verse Jeremiah 29:11.
The verse reads, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
The piece wraps up the annual festival, but Goring says a few pop-up projects are still hopefully in the works for this year.
“It was definitely a bit of a weird year with COVID-19, but we added some amazing art to the city,” said Goring. “We have some amazing artists lined up for next year already and we have some really talented local artists who will be doing stuff next year.
“I just want to say a thanks to everyone who made this year possible. It was different and had some challenges, but we pulled it off.”
