Media Advisory
Seema Goel commissioned to create a mural for the SRNA
Regina (June 22, 2005) - Donna Brunskill, RN, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association (SRNA) announced that Regina-based artist Seema Goel received the commission for the creation of a mural for the Association's building. The project, funded in part by a Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 grant, is scheduled for installation early this fall. The mosaic mural entitled 'Songbirds' will hang outside, over the main entrance of the building at 2066 Retallack, in Regina's Cathedral area.
The announcement concludes several months of preparation. In early 2005, the Mural Selection Committee publicly announced a competition for the commission of the mural to symbolize 100 years of nursing in the province. Eleven artists from Saskatchewan, with wide ranging inspiration, submitted proposals for the competition. The Committee, comprised of four representatives from the SRNA and David Garneau, Head of Visual Arts at the University of Regina selected three finalists from this pool. The three finalists were invited to create maquettes of their designs. As part of the selection process, the maquettes were displayed at a local restaurant in the Cathedral area to solicit community input for the design.
Seema Goel is a gifted artist who returned to Regina in 1998 after a 13 year sojourn in other parts of the world. She is currently guest curator at the Mackenzie Art Gallery and a sessional lecturer at the University of Regina where she served as artist in residence for the winter 2005 semester. She has mounted several visual work exhibitions in the United States and Canada. Born and raised in Regina, Seema holds a B.Sc. in Environmental Biology (McGill), an Associate Arts Diploma in Fine Art (Ontario College of Art and Design), and a Masters of Fine Art (Rhode Island School of Design).
In explaining her theme choice, Seema explained 'Songbirds are remarkably adaptable and perseverant creatures. The fragile image of these birds belies their strength, for while they are small and vulnerable looking, their hollow bones allow them flight and flexibility. They care for their community members intensely and constantly overcome adversity, all the while - singing. As a Saskatchewan Centennial project, it is important to acknowledge the location of the mural and ensure there is some provincial content. These birds unite the rural and urban landscapes finding a place for themselves in both. As migratory species, these birds act as a kind of link which unites the province through their home range.'
Brunskill said, 'She is a brilliant and bold young artist who has challenged us to look outside the box with her interpretation of our 100 years of nursing theme.'
The SRNA is the professional regulatory body for registered nurses in the province. Founded in 1917, the SRNA represents the largest group of health professionals in the province with almost 9,000 practising members. The SRNA speaks out on health care issues on behalf of registered nurses and the public.
For more information, contact:
Maureen Belanger, Communications Coordinator
Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association
(306) 359 4243
Last Updated: May 4, 2008