2020

SUNFLOWER SALUTE

DEDICATED TO OUR CULTURAL HISTORY KEEPERS

LORRIE FLEMING – APRIL 26, 2020

Inspired by a Conversation with Michelle on Our Cultural History Keepers

File Name: Sunflower Salute by Lorrie Fleming – April 26, 2020

SUNFLOWER SALUTE A Unified Face of Humanity Graced by a Smile

Natures Storytellers and Pillars of Peace

Narrative by Lorrie Fleming to Welcome Summertime…

Natures’ emblematic ‘face of hope’, Sunflowers are an expression of happiness that symbolize

adoration, loyalty, strength and longevity. Known for its distinguishing trait that stems from its root word

(sun) ~ embodies energy, joy and happiness in the advent of summer. It remains a fact that no flower can

lift someone’s spirit like a sunflower!

Tracing its roots, Sunflowers originated in the Americas (1,000 BC), and were cultivated as a

valuable food source for centuries. With the European exploration of the ‘New World”, the flowers’

popularity spread as the world began to appreciate and recognize its beauty & sustenance bearing a sun-

like appearance that radiates an invitation to summer. Sourced for their seeds, the sunflower reflects so

many of the sun’s positive characteristics of life. Freshly picked from sunbeams and caught by the eyes

of Artists who loved to capture sunflowers as a motif of splendor in various genres throughout ancient

times; also revered as sacred & inspirational in ceremonies of aboriginal societies.

Today, the sunflower remains admired for its sunny charm & delightful disposition. It is no

wonder this sacred flower was chosen to personify the “Sunflower Memorial Mural Project”, spearheaded

by Master Muralist (Michelle) as a historical honor in recognition of the countless Canadian men, women

and children of Ukrainian & European origins that were imprisoned at internment camps across Canada

during WWI. The murals, commencing with the Sunflower Painting in downtown Vernon, BC combines

multi-media, traditional artwork as well as historical photos & personal stories shared by loved ones

directly affected in various communities across Canada.

The storied faces engrained within the sunflower is reflective of the smiles that were

lost in such a dark side of history. Michelle’s personal journey to preserve, protect &

educate by painted walls is held sacred through the spirits that appear upon angel

wings in the form of art

Inspired by a Conversation with Michelle on Our Cultural History Keepers

File Name: Sunflower Salute by Lorrie Fleming – April 26, 2020

(The Sunflower State)

Regarded as the “Sunflower State, Kansas in Midwest USA bordered by Missouri on the east and

Oklahoma on the south, morphed into it’s namesake emblem to honor the early settlers that fed the seeds

to their poultry along the Santa Fe Trail. Hence the Sunflower was officially signed into legislation as a

unique & cherished State Symbol. In the southeastern corner of Kansas State, Old Route 66 passes

through a brief section [of 13 miles] on its way between Joplin, Missouri and Miami Oklahoma. This is

observed as the “shortest stretch of the popular Route between Chicago & LA and is among the best-

preserved portions of highway featuring many Roadside Attractions. The vintage buildings of Galena

KS, near the MO State Line, inspired Pixar to choose this iconic place as the fictional community of

‘Radiator Springs’ and its beloved character “Tow Mater”.

(Four Women on the Route)

The Kan-O-Tex Service Station on Old Route 66 is a 1920’s building lovingly restored and

converted into a Route 66 Café by {Four Women of the Route – Betty, Melba, Renee & Judy}.

Collectively, they facilitated the rebirth of Galena’s stretch of Historic Route 66 and dubbed the iconic

Gas Station “Four Women on the Road” operated as a tourist attraction for several years. Ownership

changed and today it is named “Cars on the Route” with the emphasis on the connection to the Movie

CARS. The 1951 International boom truck next to the Kan-O-Tex Service Station was the impetus of the

depicted ‘Tow Mater’ character that contributed greatly to the movie’s success.

The Sunflower Project – Spearheaded by Internationally Renowned Muralist Michelle Loughery

Route Blue Sunflower Mural – Downtown Vernon, BC

Inspired by a Conversation with Michelle on Our Cultural History Keepers

File Name: Sunflower Salute by Lorrie Fleming – April 26, 2020

Photos Courtesy R. Walker – June 2018 [Michelle & Lorrie on a Tour of the Downtown Vernon Murals]

“The Sunflower Project – Internment Recognition Mural” – by Master Muralist Michelle ~ Her Personal

Journey to Educate Our Society Guided by Sacred Angel Wings of Art ...