'Community Garden' artwork decorates the Broadway Bridge

A new neighbourhood mural is decorating the base of the Broadway Bridge in Saskatoon.

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The artwork, entitled"Community Garden," was created by local artist Laura Hosaluk and was the result of two City of Saskatoon initiatives, includingrecommendations to add a mural to discourage graffiti vandalism.

Hosaluk saidfeedback from theNutanaCommunity Association and the Broadway Business Improvement Districtinspired the construction and design of the mural.

"I was asking [community members] for a word one word that would describe their community," she explained. "So, words like vibrant, green, organic [and] strong were some of the words that really informed this vision of a garden."

The mural made of what Hosaluk describes as "future flowers" is comprised of an adhesive that is made from a mixture of wheat flour or starch and water, otherwise known as wheat paste.

"It was very physical. The component of applying it to the wall and making sure to get all those air bubbles out I definitely underestimated how much work that would entail," said Hosaluk.

With help from her family and friends, the piece took over 60 hours to install and will be up for display for the next two years.

But for now, Hosaluk doesn't seem too worried of possible vandals.

"I hope that those who feel inclined to add their artistic expression continue to do so in a form that showcases their talent while in the meantime respecting the space, so not taking away from what is here," said the artist.