Donations have been pouring in since plans for a monument honouring Emily Carr were unveiled in Chemainus two weeks ago.
Plans for a major art project designed to pay tribute to the iconic Canadian artist were unveiled by the Emily Carr Monument Committee, a sub-committee of the Chemainus Festival of Murals, Nov. 22 at the Emily Carr Inaugural Introduction Gala.
The finished project will tower 45 feet high and span 20 feet wide.
This unique MuralSculpture — so called because it combines sculpture and murals — will be the first of its kind in the world, according to Karl Schutz, manager, co-ordinator and originator of the project.
Surrounded by water, it will feature a First Nations Thunderbird at its highest peak.
Schutz teamed up with muralist and sculptor Charlie Johnston of Winnipeg and First Nations carver Dennis Nyce to produce the MuralSculpture. The installation will be constructed of steel fiber cement and will include artifacts from Ucluelet. First Nations members there referred to Emily Carr as “Klee Wyck.”
“This is the first time something like this has been attempted to our knowledge,” said Schutz.
As part of the campaign, all Canadians — and supporters from around the world — will have a chance to take part in this historic project. For a $5 donation, each contributor will have his or her name included on the back of the MuralSculpture. Families can create their own donation tree.
“There were so many cash donations the first day after the gala,” said Schutz. “John Landygo of Chemainus was the first. But, we already have donations coming in from Europe, and we are confident there are many thousands of people across Canada, and around the world, who would like to see this monument to Emily Carr become a reality.”