The vibrant artwork is a joint initiative between the Students’ Association of RDP, the Pride on Campus Student Group, and Red Deer Polytechnic. Photo courtesy Red Deer Polytechnic
Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has introduced a new art installation titled Kaleidoscope on its main campus in Alberta. The mural, designed and painted by RDP visual art alum Kat Simmers, adorns the exterior of the Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic (SARDP) building near the institution’s main entrance. The unveiling of the mural aligns with Central Alberta Pride Week, which ran from August 11 to 17.
The vibrant artwork is a joint initiative between the Students’ Association of RDP, the Pride on Campus Student Group, and Red Deer Polytechnic. Devyn Shannon, president of the Students’ Association, emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all students. “This mural affirms SARDP’s commitment to supporting all students in an environment where they feel welcome and can succeed,” Shannon stated. “Pride is a core intersectional component that supports equity and relates to the importance of respecting others regardless of their sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, gender, and race.”
Stuart Cullum, president of Red Deer Polytechnic, reiterated the institution’s dedication to fostering a supportive community. “Red Deer Polytechnic aims to be a welcoming and safe community for all students and employees, and this new artwork conveys that message of belonging,” he said. Cullum also praised Kat Simmers for creating the mural, calling it a “symbol of solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.”
Simmers, who has showcased work in Alberta, the U.S., Egypt, and France, described the project as a full-circle moment. “I am proud to return to campus where my passion for painting began. This work represents a full-circle moment as I come back to RDP with a full chroma colour palette that reflects the series of colourful portraits I completed as a student here,” Simmers shared.
About 100 faculty, staff, students, and community members attended the unveiling ceremony. The event highlighted RDP’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.
