The 2025 Multicultural Festival of ElMira Community Mural
Thank you to our event sponsors and donors
Community Mural Reveal: A Day of Art, Culture, and Connection
On a bright Saturday morning, October 18, 2025, the community gathered at the Breslau Branch of the Region of Waterloo Library for a joyful celebration of art, heritage, and connection. The Community Mural Reveal event brought residents from across Woolwich Township and neighbouring regions together to witness the unveiling of “Braided Paths”, a mural that now permanently adorns the library’s walls.
The day began with warm beverages and freshly baked muffins, setting a welcoming tone for what was a truly special event. Guests heard inspiring remarks from Mayor Sandy Shantz, MP Tim Louis, members of the Region of Waterloo Library team, and artist Jennifer Horst, whose thoughtful words reflected on the power of community collaboration and the importance of celebrating cultural roots through creativity.
After the ceremony, families enjoyed hands-on art activities inside the library, including painting their own mini mural coasters inspired by Braided Paths. Attendees also sampled bite-sized dishes from Cedar Spoon, an Indigenous catering company, and Bonnie Lou’s Café, a local Mennonite favourite, both offering a delicious taste of the cultures that inspired the mural.
Visitors were encouraged to take photos beside the new mural and share their moments online using #MultiFestElmira and tagging @heartsopenforeveryone. To extend the fun, guests also received vouchers for nearby destinations — Good Family Farm Pumpkin Patch and Downey’s Apple Farm — perfect for a fall day out exploring the region.
Created collaboratively during the Multicultural Festival of Elmira, this year’s mural reflects the shared roots and interwoven stories that make Woolwich Township unique. With each brushstroke, participants contributed to a vibrant design that celebrates heritage, memory, and hope. It’s a lasting reminder that when we create together, we grow together.
Why It Matters
This mural represents the heart of what community is — many hands, many stories, and one shared vision for connection. Every brushstroke contributed during the festival reflected the creativity, unity, and diversity that define Woolwich Township. Through this collaborative piece, we’re reminded that when we create together, we grow together.
About the Mural
“Braided Paths” was painted collaboratively during the 3rd Annual Multicultural Festival of Elmira, and now finds its permanent home at the Breslau Library. Designed by Jennifer Horst, the mural weaves together Mennonite and Indigenous heritage in a quilt-like design featuring tulip, feather, and white pine motifs. Each element holds its own meaning, yet together they tell a larger story of shared memory, resilience, and peace — a vision of renewal and hope rooted in the land and carried forward by Spirit.
About the Artist
This year’s mural was designed by Elmira’s own Jennifer Horst, teacher, guidance counsellor, and artist. Her quilt-inspired design honours her Mennonite and Indigenous roots, weaving together symbols of heritage, nature, and belonging.
After stepping away from painting for several years, Jennifer returned to her art in 2014, inspired by her mother’s journey and her own path of Truth and Reconciliation. Her work reflects a deep connection to nature and the healing power of colour and texture.
Jennifer recently completed her Professional Masters in Education while teaching and counselling at Elmira District Secondary School. Her art can also be seen locally, including a large-scale mural on the RBC building in downtown Elmira.
Learn more about her work at teachablespirit.ca.
Thank You
HOPE extends heartfelt thanks to:
- Township of Woolwich for funding support
- Region of Waterloo Library for hosting and partnering on this event
- Village Media for generous in-kind advertising
- Jennifer Horst, for her artistry and vision
- Our incredible volunteers and the MFE Planning Committee, whose dedication made this event possible
- And most importantly, our community, for coming together to celebrate, create, and support a project that reflects the spirit of Woolwich.
