Bringing Art to Campus: Trent University Launches New Public Sculpture Initiative
Artist Shayne Dark’s ‘This Column Ends’ first of many sculptures to add to Trent University’s breathtaking campus environment
A brilliant blue sculpture on display just inside the entrance of Trent University’s Symons Campus is the first among many art pieces to be unveiled as part of the University’s new public sculpture initiative.
Earlier today, renowned artist Shayne Dark unveiled his work entitled This Column Ends outside Blackburn Hall. The piece highlights the contrast between industrial materials and the natural landscape of the Peterborough campus.
Heritage Canada certifies This Column Ends as a designated piece of Outstanding Significance and National Importance (OSNI). The piece is the latest addition to other OSNI certified works on campus including two Portal pieces by David James ’68, installed on campus in 2012, and a bronze bust by Almuth Lutkenhaus of former Trent Chancellor Margaret Laurence.
Trent’s public sculpture initiative celebrates sculpture in Canada and will help the University continue to acquire nationally significant works that present unique and diverse artistic practices.
“As our collection builds, it will celebrate and support the place of art and sculpture in all our lives,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor, Trent University. “It will support art in our communities and put Trent on the map as a destination anyone interested in art should visit, both in Peterborough and in Durham.”
As the initiative continues, artists are invited to add their work to Trent’s collection of more than 600 works, blending natural and human creations for all to enjoy on Trent’s beautiful campuses. The Trent public sculpture initiative is supported by the Jalynn H. Bennett Foundation legacy gift announced earlier this week. To learn more about this transformative $1.13 million gift, visit trentu.ca/legacy
The Trent public sculpture initiative is being launched during Artsweek Peterborough. In celebration of the event and to mark the unveiling of Mr. Dark’s piece, Trent University will host a Public Sculpture Symposium at Bagnani Hall at Trent’s downtown college, Traill College, on Saturday, September 22 at 2 p.m. The public is invited to meet artist Shayne Dark and enjoy a keynote talk by Joyce Millar, art historian and art consultant who is active in the Montréal art world as a curator, writer, and lecturer. To learn more about this event and to register, visit trentu.ca/publicsculpture.
To learn more about public sculpture at Trent University, visit trentu.ca/publicsculpture.
About the Artist
Shayne Dark is an Ontario-based artist who has had his work exhibited internationally and is best known for his sculptural works. He says that he has always taken a keen interest in every aspect of the process of art production, which he feels draws upon and focuses the physical and perceptual experience of the world. His works, often coated by eye-popping saturated pigments are said to often evoke the contrasts between urban settings and the natural world and are meant to stimulate a spiritual or visceral reaction in the viewer.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information, contact:
Kate Gennings, media relations & strategic communications officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6180 or kategennings@trentu.ca
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