Brantford artist Cathy Grieve was one of about 40 people who gathered at the TH&B bridge Friday afternoon for a celebration.
Article content
The completion of the TH&B Crossing Bridge Revitalization was the reason for the occasion.
Article content
Although the public art project wrapped up during the summer, a full replacement of the bridge’s wood deck and minor steel repairs were recently finished.
“I painted two paintings: the Mohawk Chapel; and my father-in-law who was a milk man with his horse, cart and milk bottles,” Grieve explained. “So, you’re painting from a small painting that you’ve done, onto steel that’s so big. It was so hot, but I met fantastic people and I’m just so proud of everyone’s work. “
About 150 volunteers took part in the project last summer, painting murals on 112 interior bridge panels.
Mayor Kevin Davis told the crowd that the bridge is a critical link in the city’s transportation network but has become a focal point for culture and volunteerism.
Article content
“These murals are absolutely beautiful, not only from an artistic perspective, but they say something about our history and life in Brantford,” noted the mayor. “It’s not just an old railway bridge. It’s now going to be a much beloved landmark in our community.
Davis chose 13-year-old Sally Slater from the crowd to help in cutting a ribbon with a giant pair of scissors.
Slater, her brother Roland, and mother Cindy Robertson then showed the mayor the panel that they created, showing their Habitat for Humanity home, the Grand River, and silhouetted figures of her parents paddling past the house in a canoe.
“We had a wonderful experience with getting the house,” Robertson shared. “But we’ve had a lot of sad things happen to us as well with the loss of three animals and both of my parents in the time we’ve had this house.
“The river has been a peaceful place for us that we can go for a walk, have a good cry, or forget about whatever is going on. It means a lot to us and has helped us through a lot of stuff.”
Robertson said she and her children are not professional artists and felt intimidated at first.
“We met so many nice people who were encouraging to all. It was a very loving, giving experience,” she said. “It’s a reward that will stick around for a lifetime.”
Thirteen-year-old Sally concurred, adding “I’m going to show my family one day.”
Share this article in your social network