SASKATCHEWAN ARTISTS NAMED TO JUDGE STUDENTS' CENTENNIAL PEACE PROJECTS

Released on August 26, 2005

Students who are creating designs on peace as part of centennial celebrations will have their artwork reviewed by three prominent Saskatchewan artists.

Landscape artist Wilf Perrault, painter and sculptor David Thauberger and visual artist Marnie Badham will select student designs to become part of a permanent display that promotes a message of peace in the centennial year and beyond.

"Saskatchewan has served as a source of inspiration and subject matter for this trio of very talented artists and we are honoured that they are helping us to celebrate our youth," Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said. "The artwork they select will be a lasting reminder about the dreams Saskatchewan youth have for living in a peaceful and caring society."

The "Designs on Peace" contest is part of the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Peace Project, sponsored by Saskatchewan Centennial 2005, SaskEnergy and the Canadian Red Cross in Saskatchewan. Students are encouraged to express their thoughts about what peace means to them through drawings and written words. From the entries received, 100 will be selected for a permanent display that will be a lasting gift from the province's youth about our centennial year. Entries will be accepted until October 1st, 2005.

"Hundreds of students from throughout the province have already submitted their designs and we look forward to hearing from many more students who choose to use art to express their hopes for the future," Canadian Red Cross Society Peace Project Coordinator Norma McLennan said. "We are proud to be working with our partners on a program that is providing young people with an opportunity to have their voices heard during the centennial year."

As part of the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Peace Project, students are also planting peace poles. A peace pole is the international symbol of peace; 75 schools throughout the province have plans to plant a peace pole. Organizers hope at least 100 schools will plant a peace pole during the province's centennial year. In addition, peace day events will be held in Moose Jaw, Saskatoon and Regina in September.

"The permanent display will be an ongoing reminder not only of our centennial year, but also of the wishes of Saskatchewan youth for a lifetime of peace," SaskEnergy President and CEO Doug Kelln said. "Whether they want schoolyards free from bullying or a violence-free world, this project gives our youth a sense of responsibility about the role they play in shaping our future."

Full details about the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Peace Project are available online at www.sask2005.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Chris Shauf Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Regina Phone: (306)787-1254 Cell: (306) 530-5775