Last updated:  Feb 5, 2012  

The Red Road Lodge

The Red Road Lodge – former Occidental hotel on the corner of Main and Logan – provides transitional housing and skills development programs aimed to integrate those on social assistance back into the society.    In 2002, owner Richard Walls removed the vlts and ceased the sale of liquor.  Since, the main floor has been transformed into Studio 631, a drop in arts center for the resident community.   

Open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 – 8:30, Studio 631 is a safe haven for the community where one is free to be creative and to socialize.   Coffee is free, and so are the art supplies.  

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and there is always an air of creativity and inspiration.   People are engaged in painting, mosaic, furniture re-finishing, making dream catchers, beading, canvas stretching and sewing. 

In addition to art drop in Tuesdays and Thursdays, Studio 631 is open to the community on Saturdays from 2 – 8:00 pm for a more focused night of mural creation.  The theme of the mural is Restoration, and the project has received funding from Manitoba Arts Council and Neighbourhoods Alive!. 

A core group of emerging artists from the inner city is currently collaborating on the design and administration of the mural.  They are also sharing their skills and mentoring the community in the creation of this unique project.  Currently we are working with tile, glass and miscellaneous found objects to create various mosaic creations on mesh.  These will then be attached to the North, exterior wall of the Red Road Lodge, as part of an eclectic mixed media mosaic mural.  The mural will have painted and dimensional elements as well. 

Community input is welcomed in the mural design.   We have reached out to the Salvation Army, Siloam Mission and other similar service organizations in the area to help build community connections and opportunities for those in rehabilitation and for the homeless.   

We invite you to come take part in this unique community project.  In addition to artistic participation, we would greatly appreciate volunteer help and additional support in way of material or in-kind donations.  

Come on down to 631 Main street and check it out for yourself!

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