Chalk Artist Eric Dyck works on some art outside the Tourism Medicine Hat Office for Paint the City Positive (Tiffany Goodwein/CHATNewsToday)

By CHATNewsToday

Smile Sunday

Paint the city positive sees people spread kindness

May 1, 2022 | 10:02 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB– With colourful chalk in hand, residents across Medicine Hat took to the streets to write bright, uplifting messages for people to enjoy.

It was all part of Paint The City Positive, an event put on by the CMHA Southeast Division and a number partners including the City of Medicine Hat and Family and Community Support Services.

Messages like encouraging kindness and hope were spread all around from downtown to Kin Coulee Park.

One of the people taking part was chalk artist Eric Dyck of Lethbridge. Dyck was set up outside the Tourism Medicine Hat office on Gehring road.

” I think there are some competing expressions of negativity, and cynicism that could be really discouraging . We have all had a rough couple of years and it is really nice to see people come out where it is safe and there is fresh air, to take part in something that is beautiful silly and fun,” he said.

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A cartoonist and art educator by trade, Dyck’s art focuses on the Southern Alberta Rattlesnakes.

“For me one of the things that I like to celebrate are underappreciated animals or in some cases vilified or misunderstood, and I like to share stories and encourage people to be more aware of the critters in their area,” he said.

While Dyck was chalking up their creations children and adults alike joined beside him to write their messages of hope, with Dyck often lending a hand to help people with their chalk creations.

“I’m seeing a lot of messages that are trying to have a really positive outlook. I’m also seeing a lot of people celebrating spring, and some of the new growth and sort of the fresh season ahead of us,” he said.

Paint The City Positive is a precursor to Mental Health Week which kicks off this week starting May. 2.