Artist in Residence

When you enter our school you will be greeted by a new school mural that is created by the artist Ronya Lake.

Artist Statement

Last summer, my daughter, Helena saw a pair of sea otters off the shore of D'arcy Island where we were camping. D'Arcy Island is visible from the beach where the Cordova Bay kiddos do beach walk. Helena's sea otter sighting was significant because sea otters have only just begun to return to our side of Vancouver Island. As she shared this with some friends who work in eco-related fields, each assured her that she must've been mistaken, then checked on sea otter reports, and realized she was right. When I think about seeing things through the eyes of a child, and I think about what I hope that our kiddos carry with them into their lives - it's this kind of clarity of sight. The sea otter population has recovered from 89 individuals in the 70s up to 3000 that currently live off the coast of Vancouver Island. They are a keystone species, essential to the kelp forest ecosystem. I wanted to place the sea otter in this painting nose to nose at the height of the kindergarteners walking into the school. Creating a landscape painting inevitably prompts contemplation of the environmental changes around us. By highlighting positive transformations in our local ecosystem, the artwork becomes a symbol of hope. This sentiment is also reflected in the dynamic movement of the water. The giant pacific octopus will be tucked behind the door, hidden, but discoverable. It is holding a clock set to the time that recess starts.

This beautiful mural is still in-progress so be sure to check it out, and you might just catch Ronya in action!