Photo provided by Red Deer Polytechnic.
The Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) community gathered today (Aug. 16) to celebrate the spirit of inclusion and Pride with a new art installation.
The mural titled “Kaleidoscope,” designed and painted by RDP Visual Art alum Kat Simmers, is located by the exterior of the Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic (SARDP) building space near the institution’s main entrance.
“This mural affirms SARDP’s commitment to supporting all students in an environment where they feel welcome and can succeed,” said Devyn Shannon, President of, the Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic. “Pride is a core intersectional component that supports equity and relates to the importance of respecting others regardless of their sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, gender and race.”
The artwork is an initiative between the SARDP, Pride on Campus Student Group, and RDP.
“Red Deer Polytechnic aims to be a welcoming and safe community for all students and employees, and this new artwork conveys that message of belonging,” said Stuart Cullum, President, of Red Deer Polytechnic. “We are proud to support this student-led initiative and commend RDP alum, Kat Simmers, who has brought to life this symbol of solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.”
Since graduating from RDP, Simmers has created community connections through exhibitions and public installations around the world, including Alberta, the United States, Egypt, and France.
“I am proud to return to campus where my passion for painting began. This work represents a full-circle moment as I come back to RDP with a full chroma colour palette that reflects the series of colourful portraits I completed as a student here,” Simmers said. “With a kaleidoscopic colour palette, this installation celebrates the creativity and innovation found at RDP, as well as the profound resilience and diversity in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.”
The celebration of “Kaleidoscope” coincides with Central Alberta Pride Week, from Aug. 11 to Aug. 17.