For the past few weeks, 11 pieces of art created by artists from Kahnawake have been displayed in the form of banners on the Honoré-Mercier Bridge. This is the second initiative since 2017 where art graces the bridge’s deck.
In 2017, the company Jacques Cartier et Champlain Bridge Incorporated (JCCBI), which manages the Honoré-Mercier Bridge among others, had launched a contest to install artwork as part of Canada’s 150th anniversary. « It was done in collaboration with the Mohawk community of Kahnawake, to highlight the significant contribution of First Nations to the country’s history, » stated Nathalie Lessard, Director of Communications at JCCBI. At that time, the 24-year-old artist Skarahkotà:ne Deom had been selected to exhibit three of her pieces of art on the bridge.
Continuing the Initiative
This year, the company managing the roadway between Montreal and the South Shore decided to renew the artistic endeavor, but not in the form of a contest. « We proposed to the Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Cultural Center to select 11 artists from the Mohawk community and ask them to create artwork that will be reproduced on banners on the bridge, » explained Ms. Lessard. By driving slower, motorists can now admire the artistic work of Pamela Lynne, Owisokon Lahache, Wakenhiióhstha Montour, Jasmin Gunn, Ronwahawihtha Delaronde, Tekaronhienháwi Norton, Lily Ieroniawákon Deer, Megan Kanerahtenhàwi Whyte, Julia Brown, Jayme Leigh Glen, and Kaysun Oke on the Mercier Bridge. PJCCI donated $3,600 to the cultural center as part of this project. This amount was evenly distributed among the 11 artists.