This 5,000 sq ft mural, painted onto the side of the Calgary Dream Centre, explores the meaning of home and the stories of people currently experiencing homelessness. Artist Nicole Wolf drew inspiration from conversations with people in residence at the Dream Centre, who contributed words, ideas, drawings and poetry to inspire the final design.
Wolf then took the design to Indigenous leaders for conversation and feedback, as well as Knowledge Keeper Cheryl Bear. A fellow artist and collaborator of Wolf’s, Bear provided meaningful contributions to the symbols seen in the final work.
The resulting mural represents an every-person, with multiple faces, carrying a literal home on their back.
In collaboration with the Dream Centre staff, Wolf held an unveiling event for the residents — many said they could relate to the theme of the mural and saw their own experiences within it.
“(The mural) sheds light on the need for transitional and affordable housing, as well as mental health and addiction recovery services in our city,” said Wolf. “Tonight, there are over 3,000 Calgarians who are homeless or will sleep in a shelter. While people are inclined to look away when they see an under-housed person, at 5000 sq ft, this work makes this issue too big to ignore.”