Lori Frank has spent her painting career capturing beloved Edmonton locations — from viewpoints in the river valley to popular cafes and arts venues.
But the public reaction to one piece in particular stands out. “My Sidetrack Cafe painting went viral,” Frank says. “I had never had that kind of response.”
She posted an image of the piece, called The Local Legend, in February. Edmontonians responded by flooding her social media with memories of the live music and standup comedy venue that shuttered in 2007. “It went nuts,” she recalls.
While some of the public reaction to Frank’s painting speaks to the venue’s lasting cultural legacy, the appeal lies also in Frank’s signature bright, whimsical interpretation of “the Track.”
Many of the buildings she captures are commissions, but she’s only drawn to those that can conjure up feeling.
“I try to stay unique to myself,” she says. “I do not compare my art, my style or my subject matter. I just stay in my own lane and stay true to myself, and I think that’s why I’m successful as an artist.”
Frank grew up in Edmonton in a creative family. Her dad led music jams in the basement and her mom taught her crocheting and rug hooking. She won an art contest early on in grade school and, while her memory of it is hazy, it illustrates that her love for the medium was there from the beginning.
An amateur photographer, one day Frank was flipping through her photos when she realized a theme: the bulk were taken in (or above) the river valley.
“I dedicated 10 years of my life to finding, discovering and painting my ongoing river valley series,” she says. “I love the valley.”
From winding staircases to snow-covered trails and familiar bridges, the extensive series draws viewers into familiar locations and reflects their connection to the places depicted. Other series have delved into nighttime in the city, and depictions of summer and snowy weather.
Frank’s pieces have appeared across Edmonton from the walls of City Hall to the Muttart Conservatory and the Jubilee Auditorium.
“I do it to bring joy and happiness and smiles,” Frank says. “That’s why I paint in bright colours. I choose to give people hope, to have escape and remember great moments in their lives.”
The bulk of her work these days is commissions, but she still captures scenes that bring her joy — and she listens to occasional suggestions from the public.
“They say, ‘Oh, have you painted the Sugarbowl? Have you painted this or that?’” she says. “They either commission me or I’ll go view the building and take photos. If it inspires me, I’ll paint it.”
Her latest location: a commission of The Starlite Room, set to make its debut at the Strathearn Art Walk Sept. 11 to 13.
While Frank loves painting the city, her goal is to expand beyond its borders. “I’m a born-and-raised Edmontonian,” she says. “I love it — and I’m a true-blue Canadian. In the future, I’ll carve out more of my Canadian series. That’s the long-term goal.”
Strathearn Art Walk | Sept. 11-13, Strathearn Drive, between 89 and 91 street | strathearnartwalk.com
