Media Release
Public Art Dedication Ceremony in North End Halifax
(Tuesday, June 26, 2007) - North is Freedom is the name of the new 20-foot outdoor sculpture at Halifax North Memorial Public Library which will be formally dedicated to the community in a public ceremony Thursday, June 28th at 3 p.m.
“The Halifax North Memorial Public Library is the epicentre of Central Halifax, making it a fitting location for us to celebrate community through a sculpture commemorating our history, our present and future,” states Councillor Dawn Sloane (District 12- Halifax Downtown).
Three human figures in the public art piece are modelled after local students from Saint Patrick's-Alexandra School using plaster body casting. The monolith is engraved with images illustrating different aspects of the neighbourhood's history using a technique called surface water jet cutting. The structure, fabricated of cor-ten steel, is designed to rust just enough to protect itself from further deterioration.
“The idea behind the sculpture is that we can achieve on the strength of our shared experience and that ‘knowledge is power’,” explains sculpture artist Doug Bamford. The broad theme for the sculpture was determined through public consultation.
Bamford is a senior Canadian craftsman/designer living in Halifax and working at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. His partner on the project, Stephen Brathwaite, is also a senior artist/craftsman with experience creating public art for every level of government.
The sculpture draws its name from George E. Clarke’s poem “North is Freedom” which is etched onto the monolith. Clarke, an award-winning poet, playwright, lyricist and essayist who grew up in North End Halifax, will recite the poem at Thursday’s event.
What: Sculpture Dedication Public Ceremony
When: Thursday, June 28, 2007, 3pm - 5pm
Where: Halifax North Memorial Library, 2285 Gottingen Street
Live entertainment and light refreshments will be provided.
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Nancy Reeder
Capital District Project Coordinator
490-3941
