FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince George, B.C. – The City of Prince George is pleased to unveil a pair of new murals at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre by local artists Erin Stagg and Kim Hayhurst.
Last winter, the City partnered with Two Rivers Gallery to find artists to work together to create two separate but complimentary murals that were based on the Civic Centre’s values of collaboration and gathering. The murals are inspired by Cottonwood Island Nature Park and showcase landmarks, wildlife, and scenery unique to Prince George.
“I’m so proud of the work that Kim and I have done together. These murals are a conversation between two artists, talking about the beauty of the place that we both call home. We chose Cottonwood because it’s kind of Prince George’s backyard, a place we all love and a place tourists come to visit,” said Erin Stagg.
“Through public art, we can increase community pride and showcase what makes Prince George special in an accessible way for all. For many visitors to Prince George, their only experience with the community is the airport, a hotel, and the Civic Centre... if we can add to their positive impression of our community through art, that’s a good thing,” said artist, Kim Hayhurst.
“This project is the result of deep collaboration on every level: from the City proposing to us this project, to the partners who joined us on the selection committee, to the beautiful duet Kim and Erin have conducted; it has been a joyful process of partnership. Public art reflects stories and understandings of ourselves, and it has the power to shift the way we perceive spaces. Erin and Kim’s stunning renderings of Cottonwood Island Nature Park transform the interior of the Civic Centre, inviting all who encounter it to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us,” said Jessica Endress, Two Rivers Gallery’s director of learning and engagement.
“The Civic Centre is Prince George’s busiest venue for conferences and meetings and is home to Tourism Prince George’s visitor information centre so this artwork will be seen by tens of thousands of visitors every year. We are thrilled to unveil these murals and bring an iconic part of Prince George’s landscape into our facility for all to see. The City is grateful for the partnerships that enabled this work to happen,” said events manager Debbie Heywood.
The two murals, both more than 24 feet long, took approximately 10 weeks to complete. They replace the 2015 Canada Winter Games legacy wall, which has been relocated to the Kin Centre atrium.
-30-
Media contact:
Kendall Robertson, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-5393
Email: media@princegeorge.ca