To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Malaspina Art Society is launching the cedar art bench public art project.
With support from Powell River Council for the Arts, Culture and Heritage, Powell River Community Foundation and with approval from the City of Powell River, 25 benches will be installed in front of businesses in July and August from Lang Bay to Lund and on Texada Island, at Powell River airport, Lindsay Park, James Thomson Elementary School, Wharf at Westview and at the Mile 0 cenotaph in Lund.
A prototype bench made locally by Jackson Cedar Products, with 25 backrest panel designs and 25 cedar backrest panels carved and painted by Powell River artists will be on display from May 22 to June 1 at Town Centre Mall.
The idea for the benches came from a recent visit to Manhattan by artist and society member Ursula Medley. “As I strolled through the Lower East Side, Greenwich Village, Soho and Little Italy, I was impressed by the friendly atmosphere in these urban villages,” she said. “Benches in front of many storefronts contributed to the welcoming ambience. It struck me that we could offer rest spots to local shoppers and visitors in Powell River, and provide an opportunity for local artists to showcase their work on each bench.”
An online map with information and images of each unique art bench is being designed by society member Megan Dulcie Dill and will be available online.
