Dozens of new street banners now grace the lampposts in Sechelt.
Titled Raven and Salmon, the original artworks featured on the banners are the creation of local designer Lydia Avsec (COPILOT Design).
“It was a really tough decision for our jury, but they all agreed that Lydia’s designs stood out as something uniquely Sechelt,” said Siobhan Smith of the District of Sechelt.
In September, the district issued a call to artists seeking proposals for the new banners. Artists were asked to submit designs that would reflect Sechelt’s heritage, culture and/or natural environment.
The Coast-wide call drew more than a dozen submissions from both professional and emerging artists; the selection jury included three community members and two staff.
When describing her designs, Avsec said that she was “driven by the beauty of nature that surrounds the Sunshine Coast.”
She chose to feature a raven because it is common in Sechelt, and a Pacific salmon because of their importance to shíshálh culture. The salmon banner also features a depiction of the MV Lady Rose, the last operational vessel of the Union Steamship Company, which is now tied up in Porpoise Bay awaiting restoration.
The previous set of banners, featuring the photography of Justin Samson, will be recycled into reusable shopping bags and made available for purchase from the Sechelt Visitor Information Centre. As well, a new set of children’s banners are currently in production at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre and will be on display starting early next year.
The District of Sechelt’s banner program is a community public art initiative that showcases the work of local artists and highlights the creativity of the Coast. For more information on Sechelt’s arts and culture programs, contact Siobhan Smith at ssmith@sechelt.ca or 604-740-8476.
– Submitted
