Released on December 14, 2005
Residents, visitors and travelers passing through Saskatchewan's western gateway community of Lloydminster have another reason to stop and enjoy the scenery.Douglas Bentham's centennial artwork entitled "Sky Dance" was recently installed as a centennial gift from the province. As one of four centennial artworks in gateway communities, "Sky Dance" draws on many characteristics of the province and surrounding communities.
"These four art pieces are gifts for the entire province to enjoy," Saskatchewan Centennial Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said. "We're pleased that Lloydminster has agreed to be the host community for this centennial legacy art piece, which will welcome the many visitors to our province, and remind our residents of our incredible centennial year."
Three other legacy art pieces have been introduced in Estevan, La Ronge and Yorkton. On behalf of Saskatchewan Centennial 2005, the Saskatchewan Arts Board conducted the call for artists, administered the adjudication process and worked with the artists through the project. Estevan is the host community for Jefferson Little's "Spinning Prairie". Saskatchewan's gateway to the north is home to Chris St. Amand's "Portage" and Yorkton received Lionel Auburn Peyachew's "Doorways to Opportunity". Each piece showcases the diversity of Saskatchewan's artistic community and highlights different characteristics of our province and the host communities.
"Our Saskatchewan artists are an important part of our community," Saskatchewan Arts Board Executive Director Jeremy Morgan said. "To help celebrate their achievements, and in recognition of Saskatchewan's centennial, we are pleased to have been involved in presenting these gifts to the people of our province."
"Sky Dance" is a large structure that represents a gateway to Saskatchewan's past and future. The City of Lloydminster will be responsible for the piece, which has been installed near the Barr Colony Heritage and Cultural Centre.
"This piece is a symbol of the ambition and optimism of the people of Saskatchewan," Bentham said. "I'm honoured to be a part of Saskatchewan's legacy celebrations and very proud that my piece will remind people of our centennial well into Saskatchewan's second century."
Additional information about the art installation, including photos, is available on Saskatchewan Centennial 2005's website 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 |