Chippewa Park’s historic carousel has undergone a creative revamp thanks to the efforts of Superior Collegiate and Vocational Institute (CVI) students and staff in Thunder Bay. Collaborating on the project, they have crafted new artwork for the carousel’s rounding boards, which encircle the carousel’s top and showcase iconic Thunder Bay and northwestern Ontario scenes.
Expressing her initial apprehension due to the carousel’s historical significance, artist Faith Whatley shared her contribution of an image depicting Quetico Park. Whatley, a visual arts student at Lakehead University, joined the project through a co-op placement facilitated by Keith Ailey, head of Superior CVI’s art department.
Ailey explained that the Friends of Chippewa Park group proposed the idea to the school, leading to a collaborative brainstorming session to select iconic Thunder Bay images for the carousel. The new designs feature landmarks like the Sleeping Giant, the Terry Fox monument, Silver Islet Store, Kakabeka Falls, and Mount McKay, with the latter artwork created by Superior CVI alumna and current Lakehead student, Anna McPherson.
Reflecting on her experience, McPherson highlighted the challenges of working with the fast-drying 1 Shot paint, typically used for outdoor signs. Despite the limitations in color choice, the artists managed to achieve impressive blending and shading effects, particularly evident in McPherson’s depiction of Mount McKay.
Ailey praised the artists’ skill in working with the demanding paint, noting the intricate color blending achieved in the final pieces. Due to the paint’s properties, art teachers primarily executed the painting, with students offering input on color and composition.
The restoration project faced strict guidelines due to the carousel’s historical value, with all proposed changes requiring approval from heritage advisory committees. Project manager Iain Angus emphasized the importance of maintaining the carousel’s original color scheme from 1915 and using specified paint types.
Angus commended the stunning final results and announced that the revamped rounding boards will be showcased at various city events during the winter before being reinstalled on the carousel next summer.