Design phase underway for new art installation at CBYC in Beaumont

BEAUMONT -- A major public art project at Beaumont's Chantal Bérubé Youth Centre is entering its preliminary design phase.

This comes after public engagement sessions were held over the past several weeks to give residents and youth a chance to weigh in regarding what they'd like to see for the new mural at the facility. Brad Pickford, Supervisor with the CBYC, says the mural project came to fruition after the Beaumont Arts Advisory Committee was able to award a $34,000 art installation to a successful applicant.

"Prior to submissions from artists being accepted, the AAC met and discussed various locations that a public art installation could be located," said Pickford in a statement to 93.1 The One. "After several locations were considered, the CBYC was selected due to its highly visible location on 50 street as well as to liven up the current outdoor space."

After reviewing proposals from talented Alberta-based artists in 2025, Josh Harnack, an Edmonton-based artist known for exploring themes of belonging, identity, and resilience, was selected to bring this community-driven artwork to life. The City says that his vision will be shaped by direct community input, reflecting the voices, stories, and experiences of Beaumont residents.

The public engagement session held in late January provided Beaumont residents with an introduction to the project and also featured a brainstorming session. Then, in February, youth workshops were held for concept development and idea generation. Artist Josh Harnack says he was able to generate a lot of ideas during the recent sessions with the public.

"I got a lot of really good feedback about some of the history of Beaumont leading up to the present day," said Harnack. "The different events that go on in Beaumont, and I think one of the biggest through lines is that it's a really connected small town." 

Harnack says he was inspired by the passion demonstrated by the local youth during his February meetings, noting the multitude of ideas brought forward centered around both inclusivity and fantasy concepts. He notes that as the project now enters its preliminary design phase, he'll now be tasked with taking what he's heard from the community and putting together a final draft.

"I was just going through all the drawings and the workshops that I did with the kids at the centre," said Harnack. "Scanning them in and making notes about all the overlapping ideas and thoughts, and the things that these kids really love."

After a final design is rendered, work will then begin on the new mural throughout the spring, with a completion date estimated for May. Following this, the City of Beaumont will schedule post-project engagement sessions for residents to reflect on the new installation.

The Chantal Bérubé Youth Centre has been a support to Beaumont's youth for over twenty years. It offers both drop-in programs as well as registered programs that focus on life and social skills, as well as mental and physical health.