Sculptures of Cultural Significance Donated to Trent University

On a cold and windy afternoon in late December, an 8000 pound granite sculpture was installed at Trent University. Created by artist and alumnus David James, the sculpture "Portal" is comprised of Belfast black granite from Zimbabwe and is approximately six feet tall and seven feet wide. Located on the slope between Peter Gzowski College and the Chemical Sciences Building, the work overlooks the nearby Warren Garden and is visible to passersby on the River Road and from the Faryon Bridge which crosses over the Otonabee River. Designated cultural property by Canadian Heritage, the massive piece is a cherished new acquisition. A smaller accompanying red glass sculpture by the same name "Portal" was also donated by the artist and will be installed during the spring inside the Bata Library. David James is internationally recognized and is an award-winning artist whose studio is located in Sutton, Quebec.

See the CHEX TV news item relating to the installation of "Portal" on the Symons campus:

http://www.chextv.com/News/LN/11-12-22/Sculpture_Donated_to_Trent_University.aspx

(footage courtesy of CHEX TV, Corus Entertainment)

"Trent University gratefully acknowledges the generous support of local community businesses such as Geo-Logic Incorporated, who helped prepare the site; Royden Moran, who contributed architectural design for the base; Drain Brothers for construction of the base, excavation and gravel; Dan Sims Concrete for the form and concrete; Doughty Aggregates for transportation from Bloomfield to Peterborough; Pete's Crane in Belleville and Redpath Crane Services in Peterborough for lifting Portal and putting it in place."

(extract from a Trent University news release, December 20, 2011)

New Donation of Art by
P.K. Page Irwin

Trent University has recently received a large donation of art created by the poet and artist, P.K. (Patricia Kathleen) Page Irwin (1916-2010). The works are located at Traill College. Click here to see images and descriptions of the many works.

New On-Line Walking Tour Brochure

Trent University has been acquiring works of art since 1963. Currently, there are approximately 500 pieces in the Trent University Art Collection (TUAC). These works, done in a variety of media, are by local, national and international artists. Many of the works reflect the culture, history, environment and academic mission of Trent. Contemporary Aboriginal art and historic Canadian art are particularly well represented at Trent University. The TUAC does not exist in a gallery, but rather in public space. This is intentional! By integrating the TUAC into the living environment at Trent, people are able to have daily encounters with the collection. The vast majority of the collection is permanently exhibited.

Check out the new TUAC On-line Walking Tour Brochure. We hope you enjoy these selected works from the collection!

"Otonabee River" Tapestry
Relocated to Wenjack Theatre

The "Otonabee River" tapestry by artist Friedel was relocated to Wenjack Theatre in mid-December. Few walls in the university could accommodate the large 36 foot tapestry! It was originally created for Otonabee College's former Senior Common Room in 1974-75 by artist-in-residence Friedel. It also hung for a period at OC's former Native Studies Lounge, but with renovations and the moving of departments, it became necessary to find a new home for it once again. Before being installed at Wenjack Theatre, "Otonabee River" was completely cleaned and conserved by a professional conservator over the summer and fall of 2007. A new large-print plaque will soon accompany the tapestry in its new location.

We wish to express our sincere appreciation to Trent's Physical Resources Department for taking on the complex job of hanging this massive multi-part 400 pound work of art in the Wenjack.

The ten Heeney Banners created by artist Robert Murray were rehung this week in the Great Hall at Champlain College. The colours are vibrant after having been cleaned by a professional conservator. We're delighted that many people are commenting on them and expressing their pleasure at seeing them back in the Great Hall. We wish to thank Trent's Conference Services for covering the conservator's fee and to acknowledge our sincere appreciation of their support in this way. From January 11th to March 2nd the Art Gallery of Peterborough is holding an exhibition of their suite of abstract prints that are based on the original Banners here at Trent.

Brian Heeney was Champlain College's third Master and the Banners were created in his memory. According to a small pamphlet printed at the time of installation, the artist's design for the Banners reflects the "complex interaction of plan and angle central to Ron Thom's architectural vision."

The Heeney Banners have temporarily been removed from the ceiling of The Great Hall in Champlain College for cleaning by a conservator. Created in 1986 by artist Robert Murray, the 10 hangings are being attended to while The Great Hall is refurbished and painted this spring.

Brian Heeney was Champlain College's third Master and the Banners were created in his memory. According to a small pamphlet printed at the time of installation, the artist's design for the Banners reflects the "complex interaction of plan and angle central to Ron Thom's architectural vision."

When Trent University first opened in 1964, it was a designer's dream. Ron Thom, the Master Planning Architect, was not only responsible for the design of the award-winning buildings, but for choosing the furnishings as well. These included designer furniture, light fixtures, cutlery, and even ashtrays. The furniture was created by some of the greatest international artists of the time. In the early days, it was normal to find oneself sitting comfortably in a chair designed by Charles Eames, Arne Jacobsen, or even Ron Thom, himself. Through time, the years of use took its toll on much of the furniture, and many items have been replaced.

Julia Harrison, chair of TACPAC, recruited Martina Plejic, a fourth year student, to take on the task of creating an inventory of the decorative arts at the University. Martina's goal is to create a list detailing the number of chairs, tables, and light fixtures originally chosen by Ron Thom that still remain at Trent, along with their locations, and where possible, to include a photo of each. Newer acquisitions that are important in some way will be also included in the inventory.

The hope is that this project will raise awareness about the decorative treasures still to be found Trent University.