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Victorians see Lady Justice through new eyes

Community project honours work of Victoria Integrated Court
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Onlookers check out a stylized mural

Lady Justice has a new look. Still clad in her Romanesque robes, holding sword and balance scales, her latest incarnation features a rainbow emerging from her mouth.

It’s not the only oddity displayed on a new mural unveiled Friday at 533 Chatham St., in honour of the Victoria Integrated Court.

Clients and friends of this alternative court system for chronic offenders were offered a chance to add their own elements to the painting, by artist Steve Milroy.

An elf sits on Lady Justice’s scale, a rocket ship blasts off from her sleeve and a parachuter leaps off her shoulder.

Integrated Court founding judge Ernie Quantz also pointed out elements of aboriginal culture to the crowd gathered at the unveiling.

“You’ll see the symbol of the grizzly bear which, in many First Nations communities, is the symbol of justice,” he said.

All the images represent freedom from the point of view of the contributing artists.

“By working with partners, the Victoria Integrated Court has provided an opportunity for our clients and friends of the court to give back to the community,” Quantz said. The court was founded in 2010.

The mural is a joint initiative of the integrated court, the Victoria Foundation and the Downtown Victoria Business Association.

Fundraising efforts for the $20,000 project have so far fallen short. To support the initiative, contact the DVBA at 250-386-2238 or email to info@downtownvictoria.ca

rholmen@vicnews.com