Sculptures will bring light and texture to the Rain Garden
Submitted by Darcie Kennedy
River Grove, by Susan Rankin
Portage, by James C. Smith
In the summer of 2019, the Fenelon Arts Committee (FAC) announced their first initiative, The Sculpture Project. This project invited artists to design and install two sculptures in the Rain Garden, located just south of Maryboro Lodge at The Fenelon Museum. The committee received over twenty submissions, with an independent jury of local arts and cultural members ultimately selecting two works to be permanently installed on large limestone rocks and stand as public art.
Portage, by Madoc-based artist James C. Smith, is an homage to the location’s history: a portage and gathering area of First Nations Peoples, the beginning of Fenelon Falls, forestry, logging, and its current use as a recreational space. With 40+ years of artistic experience, Smith’s life-sized bronze canoe paddle figures create a dynamic procession through the park.
River Grove, by Apsley-based artist Susan Rankin, is a gathering of 10 glass and steel towers - a nod to the region’s forests and logging past. Natural light will illuminate the glass throughout the day and - during winter months - the sculpture will beckon with playful punches of colour in the snowy landscape. Susan Rankin has been using the garden as inspiration in her glass work for over 32 years.
The FAC launched its fundraising campaign in October 2020 and is well on the way to achieving its fundraising goal of $50,000. Donations are still being gladly accepted. There are many ways to donate to this exciting project and donations are eligible for a charitable receipt. Please visit the FAC website for more info: fenelonarts.com/donate.
The FAC is grateful for the support and assistance of the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, especially the Kawartha Works Community Co-op. Established in 2018, the FAC is a volunteer committee that identifies opportunities for artists, strategizes on arts initiatives, and works to increase public access and engagement with art in Fenelon Falls.
