On this guided tour, explore the Tawatinâ Bridge and learn the stories behind its over 500 paintings of the River Valley’s flora and fauna, and the First Nations, Métis, and settler histories of the area.

Bridging the city, the artworks show the intertwined lives of the people and the non-human beings who live and travel through here. Learn how the artist’s meetings with First Nations Elders and Knowledge Keepers, Métis citizens, and numerous visits to the valley since childhood inspired these paintings. Discover how David Garneau, along with a team of First Nations, Métis, Black, Asian, and artists of European ancestry, captured Edmonton’s four seasons and complex histories.

Whether you’re an art lover, history enthusiast, live nearby, or are curious to learn more about this beloved public artwork, we welcome you to join us.

This walking tour starts at the plaza in Henrietta Muir Edwards Park on the south side of the Tawatinâ Bridge and will run for approximately 90 minutes. Capacity is limited to 20 participants per time slot, and registration is required. Tours will proceed rain or shine, so plan to dress accordingly to the weather conditions.

If you require ASL interpretation or other access considerations in order to attend this event, please email support@​edmontonarts.​ca and we will do our best to accommodate you.

About David Garneau

David Garneau is a Professor in Painting and Drawing at the University of Regina. He holds an MA in American Literature and BFA in Painting and Drawing with Distinction from the University of Calgary and has exhibited widely throughout Canada as well as internationally. He was awarded the Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts: Outstanding Contribution (2023). He is a greatly sought after speaker at conferences and symposia. This commission represents a homecoming for him and is his first public artwork in Edmonton.