THESAMEWAYBETTER/READER is a monumental mosaic mural by Calgary-based artist Ron Moppett, unveiled in 2012 as a centerpiece of the East Village revitalization led by Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC). Spanning 110 feet in length and 13 feet in height, this vibrant artwork is composed of over 950,000 unique tiles making it the largest free-standing mosaic mural in Canada.
The mural unfolds across five accordion-angled panels along Riverfront Lane. Moppett describes the piece as a "train of colour," with each panel acting as a carriage that collectively narrates an allegorical story of East Village's genesis and transformation. The imagery blends abstract, symbolic, and representational elements, depicting themes such as primeval plant life, a nod to William Reader—Calgary’s first Superintendent of Parks and Cemeteries—and glimpses of the East Village before its redevelopment.
The title THESAMEWAYBETTER/READER encapsulates the mural's thematic essence. "THESAME" refers to East Village's historical role in Calgary's settlement; "WAYBETTER" signifies the ongoing revitalization efforts by CMLC; and "READER" pays homage to William Reader's visionary contributions to the city's urban planning.
Fabricated in collaboration with Mayer of Munich, a renowned German firm specializing in mosaics and stained glass, the mural translates Moppett's original paintings and collages into a luminous, tactile experience. The interplay of materials and colours creates a dynamic visual narrative that evolves with the changing light, inviting viewers to engage with East Village's past, present, and future through art.