As What’s the Scoop in Portage la Prairie opens their doors for the season, the beloved ice cream spot is marking the occasion with a new mural created by Winnipeg artist Rachel Lancaster.
Rhonda Lodwick, owner of What’s the Scoop, says the idea to commission Lancaster came from admiration for her online work.
“I follow her on Facebook, and I love what she does. I love the bright colors. We wanted something that could attract families and people could take pictures in front of it. We just thought it would be a nice bright feature and a great view to go with the new seating area in the back," Lodwick explains.
Lodwick says the mural adds to what’s already a special year as yesterday (Friday, May 2nd), they opened their doors for the 10th season.
Lancaster is no stranger to public art, with past mural projects including one at Southport. This time, she was invited to bring something colourful and fun to the local shop’s exterior.
“They contacted me and said they would love a really bright pop of color on their business to draw attention,” says Lancaster. “They told me to just paint whatever I wanted. I came up with gigantic ice cream cones because of course it's an ice cream parlour. I added a bear and at first I was going to make him eating ice cream, but I don't know. When I start paintint, whatever happens, happens,” Lancaster adds.
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Lancaster has become known in Winnipeg for her large-scale and basement murals, but the path to becoming a full-time artist wasn’t always clear.
“It’s always kind of been there, I've always loved art and art classes when I was younger, but I didn't do anything with it until my early 20s. If you would have said 15 years ago, ‘This is what you're going to be doing full time’, I would have laughed,” she continues. “It just took a life of its own and this is what I love to do.”
With the season officially underway, Lodwick is looking forward to welcoming back regulars and first-time visitors alike.
"It's an exciting time just to open the doors and see everyone. We have so many good supporting customers and it's nice to see their faces plus the new ones that have never been here before. Every year we have new staff and new trainees, so we always tell the public to try and be patient with us," Lodwick explains.
The shop reopened yesterday afternoon for the season and will remain open until October 1st.
“It's going to be fun and busy, if the sun keeps shining!
With the vibrant new mural bringing fresh energy to its storefront, What’s the Scoop is proud to celebrate a milestone season in a colourful new way.