A tank at Shell's manufacturing centre in Corunna is now home to a large-scale art piece that honours the land and people of Aamjiwnaang First Nation.
The refinery held an official unveiling ceremony on Friday.
Shell refinery unveils piece by Indigenous artist John Williams. September 16, 2022. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
The piece was created by artist John Williams. His work has been displayed in various locations within the county, but he said this piece may get more traffic.
The tank can be seen when driving along the St. Clair Parkway.
Williams started working on the canvas on June 28 "during the heart of Pow Wow season." It incorporates singing, drums, the traditional jingle dress, a wolf, and an eagle -- which is often seen along the shoreline.
"I painted it during a time [when] there was a lot of thunderstorms going on," he said. "Ironically, the thunderstorm was happening when I was painting that drum -- and also a few other times too, so you had a beat to go to."
Williams finished the piece on August 12.
He said a film crew came in afterward to take pictures and the decals were then placed onto the tank in pieces.
Williams was also able to share the experience with his son, Theo, who helped with painting. Both signed with their handprint on the bottom right corner of the canvas.
"The first time we saw it, my son and I were going by and it was maybe about a third done. We looked over at it, started laughing, I said 'hey man' and gave him a high-five," smiled Williams.
Shell General Manager Pauliene Buitink speaking at the official unveiling. September 16, 2022. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
Shell General Manager Pauliene Buitink said the company commissioned Williams to complete this piece as a way of incorporating the community into part of the company's 70th anniversary.
"Having a piece of art on our tanks to make our site look prettier for the outside and also articulate the close corporation we have and being close with Aamjiwnaang is really good," said Buitinka. "I think it really lights up our side. It really reflects what the Indigenous community is about and what Aamjiwnaang is about."
St. Clair Township Mayor Steve Arnold was also at Friday's unveiling and called the artwork "marvelous".
"What a great bridge working together in the community. Many times we've said that Aamjiwnaang is the conscience of our community and I know Shell works very hard to work with them," said Arnold. "John's a tremendous artist, and his son Theo. It's great that they worked collaboratively on this and I'm just so very proud to be here."
Earlier this summer, Shell also marked its 70th anniversary by giving away free gasoline.
The comppany will host a "SHELL-ebration" and free community open house on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Attendees can park on LaSalle Line, north of the site, and take a shuttle to and from the event.
