The historic district of Townsite may soon add another splash of colour to its already quirky neighbourhood. For years community groups and individuals have taken an active role in attracting public attention to the area, and for good reason.
In the fall of 2023, City of Powell River Council approved more than $500,000 in Powell River Community Forest grants to a variety of community groups, including Townsite Ratepayers Society (TRS), which received $11,202 toward kiosk wraps as previously reported by the Peak.
Public art wanted
Now, the neighbourhood group has decided to hold a competition for artists' work/design that can be digitally wrapped onto two large and green metal water main units on Hemlock Street in Townsite, according to TRS. The group has also received a some funding from qathet Arts Council.
"Winners of the competition will each receive an $400 honourarium for the use of their artwork, and public recognition, said TRS president Stephen Miller. "We do want people to take into consideration that Powell River is coastal by nature and that Townsite is a National Historic District, registered in Canada, and so we do want them to think about that."
Hemlock Street boxes
Miller recommends that artists take a look at the two water main boxes on the top and bottom of Hemlock Avenue to get an idea of the size and shape. Each box is approximately 16 feet in length and eight feet in height.
Other examples of public art around the qathet area that potential participants can look at are the two BC Hydro boxes at the wharfinger’s office at the harbour in Westview, and one on Marine Avenue just south of Penticton Street, suggested Miller.
"All of the work is going to be done locally in terms of the manufacturer of the graphic," he added. "The manufacturer of the image onto the boxes, and the installation, it's all being done by J&D Signs."
Once the two images are selected, a panel of judges will review all submissions and choose the winning entries, according to TRS.
"The manufacturing and installation is by far the most expensive part of this whole project, so we are running a very tight budget," said Miller.
Design call-out
Images can be new or created in the past and can be submitted in digital form. Miller explained that images can be photos or original artwork created in oils, acrylic or watercolour.
"We truly believe in rewarding artists for their work, and we strive to give them as much public recognition as we possibly can," he added.
Miller is familiar with creating public art and the sometimes difficult part of raising money to fund such projects. Beginning in 2008, he created 500 public art sculptures that were hard to miss around City of Vancouver and all over BC.
Miller mentioned that graffiti prevention is also a factor in wanting to put artwork on the huge boxes.
"We want to be proactive, and we want to put on a beautiful piece of artwork on both of those boxes," said Miller. "Not only will it beautify the Townsite, but it will also prevent graffiti."
Guidelines and deadline
According to TRS submissions guidelines: Artists will be limited to two each, and each submission should be accompanied by no more than 35 words describing the piece.
"We have a deadline at the end of February and we hope to choose the winners by the middle of March," said Miller.
To receive a rules and official entry form, artists should email a request to [email protected]. Deadline for entries is February 29, 2024.
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