The Sooke Fine Art Society will unveil a public art piece at the SEAPARC Leisure Centre on Thursday (July 20) in celebration of its 30th anniversary.
“The sculpture is gifted as legacy to celebrate three decades of community arts achievement,” said executive director Christa Rossner.
The event runs from 1 to 2 p.m. and performers from the T’Sou-ke Nation will be dancing and drumming.
The unveiling is of a sculpture called The Gift of Salmon and created by Coast Salish artist Chris Paul. It pays a tribute to the story, The Transformer and the Blind Old Man, a Coast Salish legend that explains how our waters got so bountiful with salmon.
“The Sooke Fine Arts Society’s wish is that the public art installed at SEAPARC will build upon our community’s identity as a vibrant arts and cultural presence,” said Rossner. “It acknowledges the enormous volunteer spirit that makes the Sooke Fine Arts Show possible, and it gives some presence, appreciation for and understanding of local First Nations’ history and culture.”
The piece being revealed is the first of a series, and is the result of two years of fund and awareness raising, and working with various entities and contractors.
“Community beautification through public art raises Sooke’s profile, builds community pride and positively stimulates economic development, tourism, sense of community and engagement,” said Rossner.