A new mural showcasing Lacombe is now visible on 50 Avenue near the former Lacombe Chamber of Commerce building.
Local artist Lauren Cowles was approached by the City of Lacombe last summer to design a mural representing what the community stands for.
She spent eight months collaborating with the city, identifying the elements that capture the essence of Lacombe.
This is Cowles' second mural in the city and her first completed entirely in digital format. She created the artwork on her tablet before it was enlarged and printed on a dibond sign.
“I usually am on scaffolding painting major walls,” said Cowles.
“So, it was actually a relief not to have to do that, but also very terrifying to see how my art would transfer from digital to a big billboard-type sign.”
In a Facebook post, the City of Lacombe encouraged residents to visit the mural and look for the many symbolic elements, including:
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🐕 A dog sculpture representing Fish & Fetch Park
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🌲 Pinecones from a well-known art installation
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🥕 Vegetables representing Echo Food Rescue
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☕ A coffee cup for Lacombe’s local cafés
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🚶 A symbol for the city’s trails
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🎵 Music notes
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📚 Books representing Burman University
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🎣 A fishing lure for the World’s Largest Lure
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❤️ A heart symbolizing the Heart of Lacombe
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🔨 An anvil for the Lacombe Museum Blacksmith Shop
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🧱 Bricks representing the city’s historic downtown
Cowles has been an artist for 25 years and earned a visual arts diploma from Red Deer College in 2003.
To view more of her artwork, visit her Facebook page.
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