Spotlight on econext, No Picnik Co-Working & Artist Molly Margaret

Written By Linda Browne

If the walls at No Picnik Co-Working could talk, they'd tell a tale of Newfoundland and Labrador's past, present and green future.

A big, bright and beautiful mural, created by local visual artist Molly Margaret, was recently unveiled at the space at 235 Water Street in St. John's. The piece, which weaves together various visual elements, including seagulls soaring overhead, workers installing solar panels, fishermen at sea, a windmill dotted landscape and more, was initiated and led by econext, a local not-for-profit association (and No Picnik tenant) with a focus on accelerating clean growth in the province.

A young woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a dark sleeveless shirt and jeans, smiles while standing in front of a brightly painted mural which shows various figures engaged in activities like installing solar panels, fishing, etc.

Artist Molly Margaret stands by her mural, located inside No Picnik Co-Working.

Considering econext's mission, it wasn't hard to pin down a theme for the piece, which reflects the province's growing green economy says Chelsie Cake, Marketing and Communications Lead at econext.

“We worked closely with local artist Molly Margaret, providing input throughout the design process to ensure the final piece would represent the province’s past, present and future economies, from the fisheries, to the offshore, to wind and hydro power. It reflects the work that econext’s members are doing every day, moving industries forward while staying connected to the land and ocean that defines us," she adds.

The mural, which spans a 40-foot hallway, is "about more than just filling a blank space," says econext's CEO Kieran Hanley. "It was about telling a story — one that reflects where Newfoundland and Labrador has come from, and where it’s going. We wanted to create something that could inspire, inform and energize the people who see it. And it does exactly that. Every day when we walk into this space, we’re reminded of the bigger picture econext and all of its members are working toward.”

A young woman with shoulder-length dark hair holds a container of paint in one hand and a paintbrush in the other as she applies paint to a mural. A man also works on the piece standing nearby. There's a table of art supplies behind them.

The eye-popping piece has enjoyed its fair share of attention since it was completed, appreciated by those who work out of No Picnik Co-Working and visitors alike — and it's inspiring others to think about how they might incorporate similar art into their own workplaces as well.

“The mural has become the perfect selfie/picture backdrop for visitors I've hosted at the office. We recently hosted a group from P.E.I. and the mural was the perfect opportunity to tell the story about NL's green economy growth over the years. They loved it and might be considering doing one for P.E.I.,” says Ogaga Johnson, Director of Workforce Development at econext.

Alex Rumboldt, Business Sustainability Lead at econext, who was part of the planning process for the piece, says it helps brighten up the space and tell the story about clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador, painting a positive picture of the future.

"Molly did an amazing job bringing these ideas to life, creating a piece of art that showcases the beauty of our province and the industries and opportunities that exist within it. I love being greeted by the mural when I come into the office every day!"

A young woman with shoulder-length dark hair applies orange paint to the foot of a seagull on a large, bright mural.

Collaboration was key to the success of this project, with econext working hand-in-hand with the artist to bring their vision to life, with Molly adding her own personal touch and creative style, Cake says. No Picnik’s support, she adds, was also vital to the project and speaks to the shared vision for the space.

"It’s a great example of what can happen when creative and business communities collaborate.”

Judy Wall of East Port Properties Limited, which owns the property at 235 Water Street, is also supportive of the project. 

“We were very pleased to join with econext in supporting local artist Molly Margaret, who, through this mural, has illustrated the unique culture, resilience, innovation and creativity in Newfoundland and Labrador. It adds ideas of colour, environment, and opportunity to the walls of the collaborative space at No Picnik," she says.

A young woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a sleeveless black shirt and jeans, smiles in front of a brightly coloured mural showing seagulls flying overhead, a fisherman in a bot holding a fish, and other elements.

For Molly, the experience was an enjoyable one that gave her the opportunity to share her work on an even larger canvas. She also appreciated the chance to collaborate, she says, and bring econext's values and mission to life in such a bold and meaningful way. 

“I’m very proud of this piece and I hope it brings some joy to everyone who steps into the office!” 

Linda Browne
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