CORNWALL, Ontario – A new mural representing diversity was revealed to the public for the first time at the raising of the Pride flag at the Cornwall Clocktower on Wednesday, June 30.
The mural was created by artist Kathleen Tuck with her partner Marine Weigert and is titled “Steps in Diversity.” It was painted on the concrete retaining wall just south of the Clocktower and on the steps on either side of the wall.
“I wanted to create a piece that shared my love and joy for the diversity within the Cornwall and SDG community,” said Tuck, who was chosen after the City issued a call for artists this spring. “The piece represents our individuality and the support found within community. It represents the community coming together and celebrating our differences as well as supporting each other.”
The mural includes not only rainbow steps to represent Pride, but also symbols representing Cornwall, Akwesasne, SD&G, and regional wildlife. On Wednesday, members of the public were invited to add their painted hand prints to the mural as well. The mural is still a work in progress, but will be ready in time for Pride Week in July.
“This is great,” said Acting Mayor Todd Bennett. “When you consider we are waiting another year to paint a rainbow crosswalk we have something more permanent here and I am looking forward to the finished product. Anything that makes our residents feel safe in our community we should be doing and this is a start.”
Diversity Cornwall President Elizabeth Quenneville praised the project and the raising of the Pride Flag.
“Diversity Cornwall is so thrilled to a part of this collaborative project between the City of Cornwall, the incredibly talented artist Kathleen Tuck and our organization,” said President Elizabeth Quenneville. “We strive to create positive change in our community and to foster inclusion and acceptance for all members of Cornwall, Akwesasne and SD&G communities and we are grateful for the City of Cornwall’s support in those efforts. We hope that everyone in our community can see themselves reflected in this prominent and vibrant new mural.”
