Behind the Logo
St. Clare’s Housing’s logo was inspired by Keith Migwans’s painting, “Living the Dream”.
In early 2024, staff at St. Clare’s happened upon Keith Migwans’ “Living the Dream” painting and thought it would be the perfect inspiration for a new logo. We feel it captures our model: tenants are the center focus of our work and the surrounding buildings reflect our high-density urban housing. The circle felt reflective of the circle of support that St. Clare’s staff and Partner Agencies create together so that tenants can succeed in their housing.
Keith Migwans agreed to sell his painting as inspiration for our new logo and by mid 2025, graphic designer Madison Van Rijn created the final logo you see throughout this website.
This painting, “Living the Dream”, is a vibrant and abstract representation of inclusivity, by Indigenous Artist, Keith Migwans. This painting is an original piece, utilizing acrylics on heavy-pressed paper.
The artist chose earthy tones for this piece, which represent the land and our shared humanity. The blue symbolizes the forces of nature as well as diversity. The vibrant yellows and orange burst forth, embodying hope, warmth, and the beauty of sharing this planet with people from all walks of life, and all cultural and religious backgrounds.
This painting begins with the innermost circle, symbolizing the unity and wholeness that inclusivity embodies. Fish encircle the people, representing abundance and wealth. The buildings stand tall, shielding and protecting from every angle. The buildings depict the strength that comes in working together.
“Living the Dream” is a powerful and poignant reminder that inclusivity is the very fabric of our shared humanity. It invites us all to step inside the circle, to embrace the beauty of diversity, and to celebrate the unity that makes us strong.
Keith Migwans is an Indigenous artist, currently residing in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He is a member of M’Chigeeng First Nation, located on Manitoulin Island.
Keith has been doing Indigenous paintings for many years. He grew up surrounded by Indigenous Artists in his family. Keith drew a great deal of inspiration from his father, Peter Migwans, a well-known Indigenous Artist and Storyteller. Although his father was his inspiration, Keith’s art is very different from his dads. While the meanings behind each piece he creates relates to the Indigenous Culture, Keith stepped away from the traditional, and has created artwork that is more contemporary, representing the modern Indigenous culture and values. He uses more vibrant colors than those used in many tradition paintings, which use many dark colors. In addition to his father, Keith has worked with many Indigenous artists, including his brother, Richard Migwans, and his cousins John Laford and Carl Beam.
Keith has shared his passion for art, guiding many young people to pick up a brush and find a creative outlet. He is excited that his eldest granddaughter is very interested in art, and has already found passion in painting and stone carving. He would love to see her carry on the succession of artists in the Migwans family.
