Glenboro Legion celebrates 100th anniversary by commissioning a mural

The Glenboro Legion has paid tribute to the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion with a striking mural on the north wall of the building’s exterior.

The large-scale mural painted by Manitoban artist Michel Saint Hilaire, honours the men and women who have served Canada by bringing the branches together; land, air and sea.

The colorful artwork has transformed the white washed plain exterior wall into a prominent community landmark as a lasting reminder of the Legion’s century of service, remembrance and commitment to veterans and their families.

Steven Sloat, president of the local Legion commented that a member had suggested a mural to commemorate the century milestone. Now that the building north of the Legion was torn down earlier this year it seemed like a great way to fill the void by adding some color and art adding a some interest to the empty dull space.

“Our members sought out a number of artists, having them give some proposals. The membership voted for Michel based on his past work,” explained Sloat.

The artist submitted his concept and budget to the Legion and was selected by the membership based on his proposal and previous work.

“I made the cut because they liked my concept,” he said.

Saint Hilaire’s design brings together the Navy, Airforce and ground forces, with each element carefully incorporated into the overall composition. Poppies, the Legion crest and military imagery are woven together with two human faces representing the humanity behind the service.

“The woman’s face is just imaginary,” he explained. “The man’s face is from a model book too. They’re meant to be suggesting humanity.”

While the faces allowed Saint Hilaire’s artistic freedom, other elements required considerably more attention to detail.

“The structures on that ship had to be that ship,” he said, explaining that the military equipment depicted in the mural needed to be accurate. The legion crest also had to closely follow the original.

Saint Hilaire describes the finished design as intentionally subtle, using gentle colours rather than the intense primary colour often found in murals.

“I feel it’s pleasing to the eyes,” he said. “It’s not too intense.”

The mural was painted free hand, something Saint Hilaire takes particular pride in. Throughout the project, residents and Legion members regularly stopped to chat with him as he worked.

“Everyone was so nice,” he said of his experience in Glenboro. “The people at the Legion have been awesome.”

He also enjoyed the opportunity to connect with people in the community while he spent time in the area.

“It was wonderful,” he said. “I was really pleased with the town.”

The project was not without its challenges. Saint Hilaire battled rain, flooding, extreme heat. “It’s a struggle with the weather,” he said. “I’ve done all kinds of places and it is usually a huge struggle all the time. There’s always something, bugs or heat and sometimes both.”

Despite the challenges, Saint Hilaire said he was happy with the project and plans to return to Glenboro to complete the final details of the artillery section.

The remaining work will be completed on the ground, allowing Saint Hilaire to add the finishing touches without scaffolding.

He hopes the completion of the mural can also become an opportunity for the community to gather, with plans for a possible presentation where he can paint the final section while people enjoy a barbeque and visit.

Michel Saint Hilaire is a Franco-Manitoban multimedia artist based in Winnipeg. His artistic career spans a variety of mediums, including acrylic and oil painting, sculpture and large scale murals. He is known for his contemporary style, bold use of colour, geometric forms and ability to bring movement and energy to his work. His murals can be found on buildings throughout Winnipeg and Manitoba, his paintings are held in private and corporate collections, including the province of Manitoba and Manitoba Hydro.

Saint Hilaire studied Fine Arts at the University of Manitoba and has also shared his passion for art through many years of teaching. His extensive experience as a mural artist made him a fitting choice to create a long lasting tribute to the Royal Canadian Legion’s 100th year.

PHOTO CAPTION: This very impressive large-scale mural now covers the north wall of the Glenboro Legion. PHOTO BY SUZANNE PADDOCK