“Musical Train”, a new mural coming to Transcona, Wpg

Painted by Sarah Collard, commissioned by Transcona BIZ, will be located on Main Street near Transcona Square in Winnipeg, MB in 2026.

Musical Train by Sarah Collard 2026
I have completed the public art mural and the installation date will be soon.

     Transcona is known for their trains.  The area was founded after the Grand Trunk Pacific railway built major shops to fix and maintain their railway locomotives in 1908.  They merged the name “transcontinental” railway with Lord “Strathcona”, a CPR politician to create the town name “Transcona” which was incorporated in 1912.  The town grew and became a quaint bustling area filled with stores and restaurants.  It is known for its small town charm and hardy work ethic.  They survived a bankrupcy in 1921 and transitioned to support the war efforts by making munitions during both world wars.  The Transcona museum sits beside this property, making it an ideal place to learn all about this railway city and the development for its existence.  Also popular in this area is the music that is sung and played annually at Bird’s Hill Provincial Park, just north of Transcona.  This wall is facing the park theatre stage which is an area for residents and visitors to congregate.  Many famous musicians have toured through the area and some have lived in the area.  For this mural, I chose to feature the Wall of Fame inductees as musicians playing on or around the train to make it fun and lively.  The Wall of Fame is a list of Transcona residents who have supported the town and it’s business.  Starting from the left near the engine, you will see Joe Blostein playing guitar.  He owned a department store for years and was the town taylor, hemming suits and making hats. Beside him is Mike Zawaly who was a famous pitcher and the 33rd birth in Transcona.  Mike is featured in the foreground playing harmonica and guitar.  Behind him on the train car are 3 standing musicians; John Jacob Neufeld playing guitar, Paul Martin playing harmonica/guitar and Dr Murdoch Mackay on violin.  Below them is a chello musician named Margaret Underhill.  She was a long standing teacher in the area.  In the next car, I have made ex-ray windows to show Bill Blaikie playing guitar and the ventriloquist Len Vintus performing with his puppet.  Lastly, George Lawrence announces the importance of the area by playing the bagpipes just like he did for the 402 Airforce Squadron Pipes and Drums, adorned in traditional garb.