Artwork unveiled to public in City of Powell River neighbourhood

The community in City of Powell River's historic district of Townsite celebrated two new public art pieces chosen by Townsite Ratepayers Society (TRS) and unveiled on Wednesday, July 31.

The chosen artists in the competition were Autumn Skye, for her works titled: The Fellowship and Song of the Makers, and Brian McCormick, for his work titled: Townsite Village.

First, community members gathered around the 16-by-eight-foot transformed water box at Larch Avenue and Hemlock Street, where Skye's artwork can be seen. Afterward, folks travelled to view McCormick's work on another water box, located at Timberlane Street and Larch Avenue. Both boxes were wrapped by J&D Signs.

"To me, [the painting] is about the relationship of all of nature, of how interconnected all of nature is, and how we are a part of that, not apart from that," said Skye. "I wanted to illustrate that with movement. I love that it's wrapping around the box, because you can really play with that interconnectedness of the salmon going into the cedar."

Skye said the salmon eggs on the art wrap are three-dimensional and can be felt by hand. 

"I love concepts around the salmon, around the symbolism of how they travel for thousands of miles over their lifetime and return to the exact part of the exact river they were born," said Skye, explaining what was portrayed in her work. "When they hit that fresh water in order to lay their eggs, they start to decay and die and the bodies of the salmon nourish so much of the forest. I really celebrate that and the symbolism of how we can step into a place of reverence and appreciation."

McCormick's work is a bright and colourful homage to the historic district of Townsite and its continued quirky character.

"I hope this piece of art captures the unique quality and beauty of Townsite," said McCormick. "It's buildings, businesses, heritage and history, and not least, the quite stunning location nestled between the Salish Sea, with the backdrop of the coastal mountains and, of course, the magnificent magic of the ever-present marine life."

TRS president Stephen Miller presented both competition winners with an honorarium, and thanked Powell River Community Forest and qathet Art for selecting TRS as a grant recipient for the public art project. Miller also emphasized how Guy Mercier from J&D Signs worked hard to make the art wraps work, as the job was quite difficult.

"The impetus of the project was to beautify Townsite with public art and to continue raising the awareness of Townsite’s cultural heritage in British Columbia," stated Miller in a previous conversation with the Peak.

Both artworks have been stamped with a plaque indicating the artists name and title of their work.

"Public art can do many things," said McCormick. "For example, express community values, enhance the environment, transform the landscape, heighten our awareness or question our assumptions.

"But perhaps the most important thing is simply that it is, in fact, public and free to any and all to view whenever they so choose.”

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