Quebec City Wall Blooms with Moving Tribute to Elderly Women – Urgent Breaking News
Quebec City, QC – A stunning new mural has transformed a wall in Quebec City’s Saint-Sauveur district, becoming a powerful testament to the lives and untold stories of elderly women. Spanish artist Virginia Bersabé, in collaboration with Street Art in Action and residents of two local CHSLD (long-term care facilities), has completed a deeply resonant artwork that’s already generating buzz and sparking conversations about aging, memory, and community. This is a breaking news story highlighting the intersection of art, social impact, and local engagement – a perfect example of how urban art can elevate voices often unheard.
From Shared Stories to Striking Imagery
The project, which began in early 2024 and culminated in June 2025, wasn’t a top-down artistic imposition. Instead, Bersabé immersed herself in the lives of residents at Saint-Jean-Eudes (Charlesbourg) and SEAT (Limoilou). Through painting workshops and intimate conversations, she gathered inspiration from their experiences, the textures of their clothing, and the subtle nuances of their skin. This process, a cornerstone of Bersabé’s artistic philosophy, ensured the mural would be authentically rooted in the collective memory of the community.
“My work seeks to pay tribute to the stories of these women, their experiences inscribed in their skin, in their hands. They are the ones who carry the forgotten stories,” Bersabé shared in a recent interview. Rather than depicting faces, the artist chose to focus on hands – a deliberate and profoundly moving choice. Hands, she explains, are universal symbols of work, care, and connection, speaking volumes without the need for words.
Street Art in Action: A Catalyst for Community Connection
The mural, located at 37, rue Châteauguay, is a product of the vision of Street Art in Action, an organization dedicated to enriching the city through urban art, fostering the professional development of young graffiti artists, and providing a platform for both emerging and international talent. Paula Casillas Sánchez, head of Street Art in Action, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “It was important for us to create a collaboration between an artist committed like her and the local community, especially the elders, often invisible,” she stated.
This initiative builds upon a previous successful mural by a Chinese artist in the same neighborhood, demonstrating a growing appetite for public art that engages with the local context. The Saint-Sauveur district’s welcoming atmosphere and engaged residents were key factors in choosing the location, creating an ideal environment for artistic expression.
Overcoming Challenges, Embracing Enthusiasm
Bersabé’s journey to create this mural wasn’t without its hurdles. Two extended stays in Quebec were punctuated by the unpredictable Quebec climate – a sweltering heatwave and periods of heavy rain tested the limits of the materials and the artists’ endurance. However, the unwavering enthusiasm of the local community proved to be a powerful antidote to these challenges. “It was a very positive experience despite the challenges… the enthusiasm of people compensated,” Bersabé noted.
The Power of Public Art & the Future of Community Engagement
Virginia Bersabé’s work isn’t confined to Quebec City; her pieces are currently exhibited at the Museum of Spanish Realism (Murec), showcasing her international recognition. But it’s the deeply personal connection she forged with the residents of Saint-Jean-Eudes and SEAT that truly sets this mural apart. Her meticulous research into the place, its history, and its people underscores her commitment to creating art that is a genuine response to its surroundings.
This mural serves as a potent reminder of the power of public art to not only beautify our cities but also to amplify marginalized voices and foster a sense of belonging. As communities worldwide seek innovative ways to connect and celebrate their shared heritage, projects like this offer a compelling model for meaningful engagement and lasting impact. For more images and updates, visit the Virginia Bersabé’s Facebook page and explore the growing movement of socially conscious street art.
