Sounds from the Unveiling of Yukon Seasons, by Tanya Blakney, CKRW The Rush
December 03, 2008 Filed in: Yukon Seasons Heist
LINK: Listen to this CKRW Feature on YouTube
Note: For the full text of the speeches please see the 'Video Clips from "Yukon Seasons" Unveiling entry.
Text:
Heather Leduc, Curator, Department of Tourism and Culture, Yukon Government
"Yukon Seasons" is significant not only for its artistic virtuosity but also because of the space it fills in the hearts of those who visit it here.
Elaine Taylor, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Yukon Government
It was about two years ago that Shane Wilson donated this remarkable piece of artwork to the Yukon Permanent Art Collection through the Friends of the Gallery.
Sadly, however, the sculpture was removed from the Games Centre in September of 2007.
It made national and international news, not to mention just here in the Yukon.
When the sculpture was returned it was in relatively stable condition, a fragment had come off ... staining as well as surface damage.
I very much believe that the story of its theft and its recovery even heightens the awareness and attention to this wonderful piece of artwork.
While we all know displaying artwork as valuable as this has inherent risks we have to balance this with making art possible.
Thank you very much to the RCMP, the City of Whitehorse ...
Beverly Buckway, Mayor, City of Whitehorse
We do have events in our town that are not the most pleasant, but here's another example of where the community has come together with various orders of government and hard work by a lot of people and we have this wonderful sculpture back in the Canada Games Centre where we really feel it belongs.
Shane Wilson, Sculptor
I just wanted to say thank you to folks. The reason why I donated this piece in the first place was to commemorate the excellent work of Ruth McCullough, who worked in the Arts Branch for many years, supporting and developing the visual arts in the Yukon.
Heather Leduc, Curator, Department of Tourism and Culture, Yukon Government
It's time to unveil the sculpture ...
Shane Wilson, Sculptor
I cannot begin to express my gratitude to Valery Monahan and the Arts Branch and others who were involved. As far as I can tell, it looks almost as good as new, maybe even better than new. I can see traces of where there was some discolouration. But the only reason I know they are there is because I saw it when it was in its pre-restoration state. She did a fabulous job.
Tanya Blackney, CKRW Reporter
And what does it mean to have it back on display for Whitehorse and the world to see?
Shane Wilson, Sculptor
I'm absolutely thrilled that it's back, as I'd hoped and intended when it was donated.
(moose antler skull carving, moose antler skull sculpture)
It was about two years ago that Shane Wilson donated this remarkable piece of artwork to the Yukon Permanent Art Collection through the Friends of the Gallery.
Sadly, however, the sculpture was removed from the Games Centre in September of 2007.
It made national and international news, not to mention just here in the Yukon.
When the sculpture was returned it was in relatively stable condition, a fragment had come off ... staining as well as surface damage.
I very much believe that the story of its theft and its recovery even heightens the awareness and attention to this wonderful piece of artwork.
While we all know displaying artwork as valuable as this has inherent risks we have to balance this with making art possible.
Thank you very much to the RCMP, the City of Whitehorse ...
Beverly Buckway, Mayor, City of Whitehorse
We do have events in our town that are not the most pleasant, but here's another example of where the community has come together with various orders of government and hard work by a lot of people and we have this wonderful sculpture back in the Canada Games Centre where we really feel it belongs.
Shane Wilson, Sculptor
I just wanted to say thank you to folks. The reason why I donated this piece in the first place was to commemorate the excellent work of Ruth McCullough, who worked in the Arts Branch for many years, supporting and developing the visual arts in the Yukon.
Heather Leduc, Curator, Department of Tourism and Culture, Yukon Government
It's time to unveil the sculpture ...
Shane Wilson, Sculptor
I cannot begin to express my gratitude to Valery Monahan and the Arts Branch and others who were involved. As far as I can tell, it looks almost as good as new, maybe even better than new. I can see traces of where there was some discolouration. But the only reason I know they are there is because I saw it when it was in its pre-restoration state. She did a fabulous job.
Tanya Blackney, CKRW Reporter
And what does it mean to have it back on display for Whitehorse and the world to see?
Shane Wilson, Sculptor
I'm absolutely thrilled that it's back, as I'd hoped and intended when it was donated.
(moose antler skull carving, moose antler skull sculpture)