New mural adds cheer to Portage ice cream shop

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A vibrant new mural is bringing smiles to What’s the Scoop? in town.

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Painted by Winnipeg-based mural artist Rachel Lancaster, the tropical, ice cream-themed artwork was unveiled during the shop’s spring opening and has quickly become a hit with both customers and the community.

“I follow Rachel on Facebook and Instagram and just love what she does,” said shop owner Rhonda Lodwick. “I thought it would be a really cool idea, so we asked her last year if she’d consider doing something for us, and she said yes.”

Lancaster, known for her bright, whimsical style, got the green light to “just make it awesome, bright and colourful.” With that freedom — and a request to include an ice cream theme — she added her signature elements: palm trees, sweet treats, and a couple of teddy bears, a quirky staple in her work whenever she’s given full creative control.

“The teddy bears always make it in,” Lancaster said with a laugh.

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The mural, located near the parlour’s outdoor seating area on Saskatchewan Avenue and 7th Street N.W., was completed over three days. Rain delays and even a flat tire couldn’t stop Lancaster, who estimates she spent around 16 hours painting the cheerful scene.

“It was my first outdoor mural of the season, so it was a great way to start,” she said.

Lodwick said the reaction from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.

“It’s not just kids — adults have been giving so many wonderful comments too,” she said. “It’s already being shared all over social media. She just did a fantastic job of making everything cheery and happy.”

Lancaster, who is self-taught and began painting murals about 15 years ago, turned her side passion into a full-time career during the COVID-19 pandemic. She now books projects months in advance while raising two young children.

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“I never imagined I’d be doing this full-time,” she said. “But I love it — it keeps me busy and I get to bring something joyful to different communities.”

This mural marks her second in Portage la Prairie, joining a panel mural she previously painted for Central Plains Cancer Services.

For Lodwick and her team at What’s the Scoop?, the mural is more than just decoration — it’s a celebration of community spirit.

“We’re so grateful she came out to do it,” Lodwick said. “It’s a great way to celebrate Portage and all the good in it.”

Check out What’s The Scoop’s social media or stop by for a cold treat to check out the new design.

You can also order sweet treats at www.whatsthescoop.ca.

— Renée Lilley is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Portage Graphic. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

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