|
|
|
“The Great Canadian Beaver Dam”
Where Art, Industry, Sports and Kids Come Together
By Judith Milne
Last year, immediately after the close of “Imagemakers 2006,” some of the talented Letterhead artists of the exciting “Great Canadian Beaver Dam” were discussing how they might create a special project at the 2007 show, which could be donated to a special interest group—specifically one involving kids. The group approached SAC Executive Director, Bob Bronk, to see if he could help them develop the idea.
|
|
|
|
Bob, a member of the Toronto Argonaut Alumni, immediately thought of the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto because, on May 23rd of this year, the Toronto Argonauts had generously donated $4 million to the Sick Kids’ Foundation. Bob contacted George Karamaritis of the Argos to get his support. George wholeheartedly endorsed the project and gave permission for the artists to use the official Toronto Argonaut logo and/or image if need be.
The next step was to speak to Robert Witchel of the Sick Kids’ Foundation to see if, in fact, it had an interest in the project and a proper place for it to be displayed. Having reviewed the information about and portfolios of some of the artists to be involved, Robert enthusiastically welcomed the offer. Although there were some administrative channels to clear, the project was approved and Robert has suggested that one of the waiting room/play areas in the new section of the hospital would be a perfect spot for the future “work of art.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The innovative undertaking is now in the planning phase and is headed up by René Giroux, a professional sign maker, sign painter and graphic artist with 25 years of industry experience. His team of artists includes Nancy Beaudette, Noella Cotnam, Don Edwards, Bevin Finlay, Brian Hansen, Ghyslain Grenier, Ralph Noble, Pete Payne, Dan Sawatzky, Pierre Tardif, and Tramp Warner. An upcoming visit to the hospital is scheduled, where they will discuss location, dimensions, and style of the project, which will display a football theme.
The “Great Canadian Beaver Dam” has been expanded to 1200 sq. ft. for this year’s “Imagemakers 2007” and will provide plenty of room for the team of artisans to produce its masterpiece. Visitors to the show will be able to actually watch the work in progress over the weekend and view, firsthand, the methods and skills of these talented individuals. Just prior to the close of the event on Saturday, September 29, with the SAC-ACE Board of Directors and members of the Argo Alumni in attendance, the finished piece will be formally presented to a representative from the Hospital for Sick Children.
Everyone is excited about this most worthwhile effort and our hats are off to the thoughtful artists who initiated the project and to everyone involved in making it happen. Join us at the “Great Canadian Beaver Dam” to be part of the fun when art, industry, sports and kids come together to create a truly unique experience – only at “Imagemakers 2007” – on September 28 and 29! Watch for the October issue of Imagemakers for a follow up article and photos. |
|
 |
| |
|
|
| |
| < Back |
|
|
|
| Copyright © ImageMakers. All rights reserved. |
|
|
|
|
|
|