Stina Baudin, a Montreal‑based artist, has announced plans to transform the roof of a 19th‑century barn in Quebec’s Eastern Townships into a night‑sky mural. The project is intended to draw public attention to the region’s largely overlooked Black history.
The chosen structure dates back to the 1800s and stands as one of the older agricultural buildings in the Eastern Townships. Baudin identified the barn’s roof as a suitable canvas for a large‑scale depiction of a night sky, a visual that will be visible from the surrounding countryside.
The Eastern Townships have been home to a Black community since the early 19th century, a presence that has left few physical markers and has received limited recognition in local narratives. Historical records indicate that families settled in the area during the 1800s, contributing to the region’s cultural fabric while remaining largely absent from public memory.
By placing a night‑sky artwork on the historic barn, Baudin aims to create a visual reminder of that community’s legacy. The mural’s celestial theme is meant to symbolize both continuity and visibility, offering a point of reflection for residents and visitors alike.
The project is slated to begin after the announcement on Saturday, 18 July 2026. No further details on the timeline for painting or public access have been released. The initiative adds to ongoing efforts to acknowledge the contributions of Black Canadians in rural Quebec, complementing broader discussions about heritage preservation in the province.
Baudin’s choice of a historic agricultural site underscores the connection between the region’s built environment and its social history. The mural is expected to become a landmark that highlights an otherwise hidden chapter of the Eastern Townships’ past, encouraging further exploration of the area’s diverse roots.