Become a Part of North York Art!
By Lucas on Nov 05, 2013
By Penny Munoz
If you’re a North York resident, you might be interested in this unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to leave a lasting imprint on your community!
All North York residents are invited to take part in the making of a new public art project. If you’re not artistically inclined, don’t fret! All you need to do is bring a valuable memento with personal or historical significance. Using bronze to immortalize these momentous artifacts, Canadian artist Peter Powning will be combining these pieces to make two sculptures for the Cranbrooke Village condo development by Options for Homes.
The creative idea behind the project is to build a 10’ and 20’ tall sculpture with the personal treasures of North York’s own residents. Imagine walking down Bathurst years from now and finding your cherished keepsake intertwined with those of fellow neighbours in what Powning calls an “historical mulch,” and telling your loved ones the special significance of it.
In Powning’s previous works, people have brought buttons, horseshoes, children’s toys, jewelry, school bells, medals, old china, watches, shoes, musical instruments, cassette tapes and so forth. The only guideline is that you have to be able to carry your piece to the “impression gathering” (dates posted below). Powning treats these precious heirlooms with the utmost care, using them to make an impression in soft clay covered with a silicone membrane that protects it from getting dirty. Contributing residents are encouraged to observe as the process occurs right in front of the crowd!
If you were starting to get separation anxiety at the thought of losing your precious object, don’t worry, your most prized possession is safely returned to you on the spot after the molding process is completed. From there, the impressions are cast in bronze and become your own, small piece in the sculpture.
Expected to be unveiled in June 2015, the bronze relief will represent the community as defined by the collection of the residents’ own artifacts. Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to distinguish yourself as a valuable North York resident. Join friends, family and neighbours in this touching experience, and leave an emblem of your history on an influential city landmark.
Casting Sessions with artist Peter Powning
Barbara Frum Library Auditorium B
Wednesday, November 6th – 7:00-9:00 PM
Gibson House Museum
Thursday, November 7th – 1:00-4:00 PM
Barbara Frum Library Auditorium B
Friday, November 8th – 7:00-9:00 PM
Barbara Frum Library Auditorium B
Saturday, November 9th – 12:00-2:00 PM
