‘Wood Buffalo Truth’
to
MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery 151 MacDonald Drive, Fort McMurray, Alberta T9H 5C5
PAINTING THE TRUE NORTH’S PRIDE
Fort McMurray Exhibit Speaks Up For A Positive Perception
Within the Canadian and global media, attitudes towards Alberta and its industries are met with great contention and opinion. However, stigma can be misleading and the ‘Wood Buffalo Truth’ exhibit at the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery not only speaks to the diverse culture in Fort McMurray, but depicts the realities of the community often overshadowed by negative stereotypes. Making art part of this conversation helps paint the full picture of life in Fort McMurray and presents the beauty – and truth – this town has to offer.
Featuring the works of resident artists Margaret Sonnenberg and Megan Storrar, the ‘Wood Buffalo Truth’ exhibit was created out of more than a love for the arts – but more importantly – a desire to shatter a stigma and share the true beauty of this northern town. Central to the artists’ inspiration was the desire to respond to the adverse and uninformed judgements often made about the community these women call home. Depicting natural landscapes, residents and inspiring experiences, the impressive collection of art communicates the uniquely intangible spirit of Wood Buffalo and the theme: what’s not to love?
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo understands the importance of investing in arts and culture and strives to support local artists like Margaret and Megan by giving them a platform to connect with the community. With various festivals, cultural programs and a diverse community centre at MacDonald Island, the Municipality and its residents have taken it upon themselves to establish, develop and promote world-class culture in Fort McMurray.
On display from January 23 to February 24, the show’s grand opening coincides with the one year anniversary of the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery. Proving how culture in Wood Buffalo will no longer be underestimated, more and more residents like Margaret and Megan are using the Municipality’s resources to stand up as proud ambassadors of their evolving community. While bringing the community together in an inspiring setting, the ‘Truth’ exhibit will also encourage residents to join the conversation about the real Fort McMurray – the one known and loved by many.
About the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Today, Wood Buffalo, located in North Eastern Alberta, spans 68,454 square kilometers and is the largest municipality in Canada. At the heart of the municipality lies Fort McMurray, the regions urban centre. Collectively boasting the world’s second largest oil reserves, the community has gained recognition, national and international market ties and an abundance of business opportunities. With an annual growth rate of close to 8% the community is now one of Canada’s fastest developing business centres as well as one of the youngest and most dynamic regional municipalities.
For more information about the ongoing expansion and development of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, please visit www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca.