Two Sculptures Have Been Selected For Installation
The jury conducted their final review in April 2020. From the 5 short listed proposals, 2 sculptures were selected for installation. Our original timeline targeted summer 2020 for installation on-site. Due to the current pandemic, our project timeline is on hold. We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as we move forward.
We would like to thank everyone for their input, enthusiasm, and continued support on our first initiative.
The Fenelon Arts Committee is excited to announce James C. Smith’s Portage and Susan Rankin’s River Grove as the two finalists. Congratulations! Learn more about the artists, their designs, and thoughts below.
JAMES C. SMITH
PORTAGE
PROJECT STATEMENT
My vision is to create a striking and expressive sculptural installation titled Portage. This engaging and iconic work highlights the portage at Fenelon Falls as a focal point of particular historical interest. It celebrates the foundational building block of the community of Fenelon Falls. This sculpture simultaneously honours the history and the vitality of the community; presenting a physical reminder of the many community-building contributions of First Nations peoples.
Three whimsical figures are rendered as life-sized canoe paddles in bronze. Two paddles are combined to create each of the figures with the paddle handles bent to resemble legs in walking position. These figures inclusively represent individuals from First Nations as well as current community members and those enjoying the towns abundance of recreational resources. In keeping with the portage theme, each figure carries a bronze canoe. The three figures together create a dynamic procession through the park.
A plaque will be mounted on the limestone base containing appropriately vetted text which acknowledges the history of the First Nations presence.
Measurements: 1.17 x 1.47 x 0.9 m, 46 x 58 x 35 inches
SUSAN RANKIN
RIVER GROVE
PROJECT STATEMENT
Through the past 32 years as a glass artist I have explored the idea of garden through my work. I live in a hard wood forest on the edge of the Canadian Precambrian Shield. The changes in the landscape coupled with the movement of light from season to season has lead to examinations of how glass columns can reference a new sense of space; a grove, a forest, a gathering. Natural light is a critical element for glass in outdoor settings. The shifting movement of the light throughout the day illuminates the glass elements, creating bursts of glowing colour that dance in the sunlight. As the day shifts, so does the shadows of the towering columns marking time and space.
The colours I have chosen for the sculpture: the blues represent the flow of water and the drop of the falls, the greys to acknowledge the layers of limestone in the area, greens to represent the trees, and orange-reds to warm the space like the sunset. While thinking of the this proposal, I considered:
The historic connection to the logging industry, the River Grove represents the forest and logs that built our country.
Fenelon Falls is known as the 'Jewel of the Kawarthas', this term seemed so adaptable to the way glass captures light; the sparkle, the intensity, the colour will mimic a jewel.
The area known for its flat slab limestone which the falls so beautifully rolls over. The stacked components of glass represent the layers of stone found in the area.
Lastly, for me, a grove represents a gathering. Lock 34 is one of the most popular locks in the summer months, thus as a grove is a gathering of trees, the area is a gathering place for a community.
River Grove would be comprised of 10 glass and steel columns. This series of work has been designed from nature, for nature. The columns sway in the wind creating a calming, natural movement. The columns are not damaged by wind because of the round nature of the glass; the wind cuts around and through the shapes. The transition of colour in each column is made up of several shades and tints in the glass elements. As the daylight shifts the piece moves in shadow, reminiscent of a sun dial, speaking to movement and time. During the winter months, the sculpture will beckon with playful punches of colour in the cold and snowy landscape.
Measurements: Each of the ten columns is comprised of 16 to 24 hand formed glass elements, approximately 2.5cm/5 inches in diameter, and range in height from 1.18m/6-8 ft.