By Ivy Katz

Murals are said to be special because they bring private art out of galleries and into public spaces for everyone’s benefit. Both nature and art are scientifically known to boost our endorphins.

Now, hikers on the James Cooper trail will have one more thing to lookout for when they’re looking for that rush of endorphins.

Indigenous artist and Algonquin Highlands local Kristel McKay is the force behind giving people the best of both these worlds.

McKay is adding the final touches to a mural she was commissioned to paint by a private customer. Although the mural will be on private property, it is specifically designed to be seen with binoculars from the lookout on the James Cooper trail.

“The owner of the mural very much wanted to share the collective vision of the mural by installing it on one of the structures on his property,” said McKay. “He was inspired after purchasing one of my art pieces.”

McKay is not a stranger to large murals. When she was still a teenager in the early 90’s, she was one of a few people commissioned to paint murals inside Toronto’s famous Barracuda nightclub in Yorkville.

The Barracuda was the new club opening up in the space that previously housed The Copa, an nternationally recognised nightclub known for its themed shows and for debuting some of the best acts of the time, including Tina Turner, throughout the 80’s until its closure in 1992. The space is so large that today it is a condo complex.

Like many gifted artists, McKay naturally started creating art since she was a young age. By the time she hit her teenage years, her art was already entering the public sphere.

In the year 2000, she was part of the City of Toronto’s “Moose in the City” project, which commissioned artists to paint moose throughout the city. McKay’s moose, entitled Guess Who?, was located in Commerce Court. Her installation made a statement about the stock market, while also commemorating the band The Guess Who, who were playing in Toronto that year.

McKay’s cultural roots are Indigenous Canadian and Celtic. As a result, McKay has focused her life on cultivating an extensive background knowledge in both Indigenous Mi’kmaw and Celtic traditions and artforms.

She paints in oil and acrylic. Generally clients will see some of her artworks, and if requested, she will work with them to establish their artistic vision and create custom pieces. McKay also creates beaded jewellery.

Over the years, McKay has always focused her passions on a variety of artistic pursuits, especially ones that create a difference in the public realm. “I am very grateful to have been selected to share my art and teachings with the public,” said McKay, on the organisations she has worried with, which include the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and the Association for Native Development in the Performing and Visual Arts (ANDPVA).

Her Indigenous art installations have graced city events from the Skydome Powwow, to Osgoode Hall, and City Hall, to company logo’s throughout Canada, such as Halcyon Hot springs in British Columbia, over the last three decades.

Perhaps most importantly, McKay has inspired and influenced youth with traditional art and Indigenous teachings. “One of my most memorable and rewarding projects was when I experienced working with youth was a Medicine Wheel Teaching,” said McKay. “The art installation created by the graduating students of General Crerar and the personal letters I received from the students expressing how they gained a grater understanding of Indigenous Traditions and cultural awareness was a result of the art project.”

In addition to her art installations, McKay does energy work and has dedicated many years to various healing modalities, including ceremonies, drumming, guided meditations, and traditional medicines. She has a whole apothecary of dried herbs from her land and gives guided medicine walks.

She is a certified Reiki Master with the Canadian Reiki Association, and holds her certification in counselling in Addictions and Mental Health.

A sneak peak of the mural reveals that a medicine wheel is part of the image. The medicine wheel is integral to the way of life and is shared between many Indigenous Nations.

Asked what the medicine wheel colours represent, McKay explains that it is a teaching used to help balance ourselves. She explains the meanings of the four cardinal colours, yellow, red, black, and white, and the attributes associated with each colour help guide us through life’s journeys.

The mural was created at Black Cloud Studios. The studio has been a space for artists over the last seven years, offering a serene environment for creative expression.

McKay credits Seamus Robertson for helping to kick-start this particular mural project by assisting her in laying down the foundational design elements of the piece. “He is a talented young man,” said the artist. People can find him under @wonderraven.

The mural has been weather-proofed and was installed by BKS Carpentry Ltd. As of press time, the mural is ready for the public.

McKay plans to share videos of the process on her Instagram @kristeltempest1. People interested in connecting with the artist can reach her via email at kristeltempest@yahoo.com.

Now, hikers and art enthusiasts will be able to have the best of both the natural and artistic worlds when they visit the James Cooper trail located at 1065 North Shore Rd, just north of Carnarvon. Be sure to bring your binoculars!