(Red Deer Polytechnic)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

enhancement to building

Welikoklad gets some colour, will be used again, says Red Deer Polytechnic

Sep 24, 2022 | 2:01 PM

The Welikoklad Event Centre, owned and operated by Red Deer Polytechnic, has sat mostly dormant for the last few years.

But it’s now got some added pizzazz to its exterior as alumnus Kat Simmers recently began working on a very colourful mural.

“The artwork complements the city of Red Deer’s commitment to revitalize the downtown core with murals, creating welcoming spaces and signaling Red Deer Polytechnic’s connection to the community in vibrant and creative ways,” says Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. “I am extremely proud of the Polytechnic’s presence in the heart of Red Deer, which increases the ability to collaborate with community members and business partners in the area.”

Dubbed With Flying Colours, Simmers says it depicts a diverse body of students engaged in their respective crafts.

“It was an interesting challenge to create a work representing the experiences of so many people – students past, present and future,” says Simmers. “I wanted to pay respect to the value of athletics as well as the diverse mix of creative arts learning and trades programming that students experience at the Polytechnic.”

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The mural features students, a health care professional, several skilled trades workers, a member of the Indigenous community, and athletes playing hockey and volleyball.

Meantime, RDP officials say it won’t be too long before the event centre welcomes back patrons.

“In addition to our main campus and learning centres throughout central Alberta, Red Deer Polytechnic is proud to be part of Red Deer’s downtown at the Millennium Centre and Welikoklad Event Centre, says Jim Brinkhurst, Vice President & CFO, Finance and Administration.

“These facilities enhance academic, social, economic and cultural opportunities for our students and the entire community. During the past few years, the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly reduced the ability of Red Deer Polytechnic, and all organizations, to host gatherings, with the health and safety of people in mind. As we look to the future, we look forward to offering a variety of teaching and learning opportunities at our downtown locations, as well as hosting events organized by various community groups.”

More information about Red Deer Polytechnic’s Creative Arts programming is available online.

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