New public school in Edmonton honours artist Alex Janvier

A new public school in Edmonton will bear the name of artist Alex Janvier.

The Edmonton Public School Board announced Janvier, originally from Cold Lake First Nations and a member of the “Indian Group of Seven,” will be the namesake of a Grade 4-9 school on the west side of the city when it opens in Sept. 2021.

Janvier’s name was selected after EPSB asked the public for suggestions.

Just days before, the Alberta University of the Arts announced they will bestow an Honorary Master of Fine Arts to Janvier.

Janvier’s major work in Edmonton includes Tsa Tsa Ke K’e or Iron Foot Place at Rogers Place in Edmonton, and the diptych, site-specific installation of Sunrise and Sunset at the Legislature.

Two other new schools were named.

Aleda Patterson school honours a former teacher in the district and Garth Worthington was a lifelong musician, singer and teacher whose named will be honoured as well.

Janvier is a pioneering artist in Canada and speaks of having a creative instinct from as far back as he can remember.