We are thrilled to unveil a beautiful new addition to the Community Futures Lac La Biche building—three stunning murals that capture the essence of our community’s past, present, and future. Created by local artists Solene Lamoureux and Miya Lamoureux, this project not only enhances our space but also serves as a vibrant reminder of what makes Lac La Biche so special.
The mural project, which began in August 2023 and was completed in August 2024, consists of three unique pieces that now grace the exterior of our building. Spanning a total of 525 square feet, each mural measures approximately 17.5 feet high by 10 feet long. These works of art are more than just decorations; they are a reflection of our community’s deep connection with nature and the earth, and they symbolize our shared history, unity, and hopes for the future.
“This project was an amazing opportunity for us to grow as artists, and share our passions and talents with our community,” said Miya and Solene. “Through much planning, challenges, and paint, we are excited for the completion of the murals and to see what we will do next.”
Mural 1: Our History Is Alive
‘Our History Is Alive’ is the first of three painted murals. It represents the Lac La Biche history and how our history is, and will always be a part of the community. The mural is a black silhouette of a moose and a gray silhouette of a deer with a beautiful bright light blue background. Inside the silhouettes are shadows of things that speak for our community like, wild animals, trees, animal tracks, fish, cattail and wheat plants. There's also parts of our history like the David Thompson statue, the Mission, tipis, Metis flowers art, and fishers in a canoe. All these images are of things part of our past, but are still a huge part of our community today.
Mural 2: There Is Strength In Unity
‘There Is Strength In Unity’ is the second mural of three. It represents our community today and what we value the most about it. This painting depicts four hands united in a circle, each of a different culture. Around them are all sorts of wild flowers and plants. The hands are also placed in the order of the medicine wheel, which teaches unity and health of the earth. On the medicine wheel colors represent different parts of our world. Starting with the top hand, it is in the West representing the black part on the wheel, dark skinned people, sage, humans, and physical strength. Next is the hand in the south, representing the color red on the wheel, red skinned people, cedar, plants, and spiritual or soul health. Next is the hand on the bottom which is the yellow part of the wheel. In the East, yellow skinned people, natural materials, tobacco, and emotional or heart health. Finally in the North representing the white part of the medicine wheel is white skinned people, Sweetgrass, animals, and intellect or mind health.
Mural 3: Our Future Awaits
‘Our Future Awaits’ reflects on the beauty of nature that our community has lived in parallel with from the very beginning and will continue to in the future and hopefully forever. The sky is something we are all blessed to see every morning here on the lakes, the farmland, and boreal forests. The idea of this painting is for its viewers to use their imagination beyond the mural, what is he looking at past the Lac La Biche sign? Its viewers should look beyond and imagine what they want for our community's future.
What's the big picture?
This project was a significant undertaking, and we are immensely proud of the artists, Miya and Solene, for their dedication and talent. It was an opportunity for them to grow as artists and to share their passions with the community. A special thanks also goes to Lora Lamoureux, who bravely stepped in to help when Solene was unable to work on the ladder during her pregnancy.
“Special thanks to our mum Lora Lamoureux for helping out when Solene was unable to be up on the 20-foot ladder while pregnant. Lora was very brave!” they added.
These murals are more than just art; they are a testament to the spirit of Lac La Biche. We invite everyone to come by and experience these murals in person. Let them remind us of where we’ve been, celebrate who we are, and inspire us to dream about where we’re going.
