Gone but never forgotten
Portraits of Redford, Hancock will soon hang in the legislature
Alison Redford and Dave Hancock spent less than three years combined as premiers of Alberta, but their portraits will hang in the provincial legislature for decades to come.
The official portraits for Alberta’s 14th and 15th premiers are complete and currently being stored in a climate- controlled facility at the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, said Cheryl Oates, a spokeswoman for the premier’s office.
The premier’s office is responsible for facilitating and funding the portraits, which line a third floor hallway in the legislature.
Outgoing legislature Speaker Gene Zwozdesky’s office is responsible for co- ordinating the logistics of the unveiling ceremonies for the portraits. Planning for the ceremonies hasn’t yet begun, said Zwozdesky, who will leave his position when the legislature convenes next week.
Calgary- based artist Liela Chan painted the portrait of Redford, who resigned after 18 months as premier amid a series of scandals.
The oil on canvas work came at a cost of $ 12,500, Oates said.
Hancock’s oil on linen portrait, painted by Edmonton- based artist Tom Menczel, cost the province $ 12,046.
Past premiers can choose any artist they want for their portrait.
Menczel says he was “beyond honoured” to be chosen to depict Hancock, who spent four months as premier after Redford resigned and before Jim Prentice took the reins.
Preparations haven’t yet begun for the portrait of Prentice, who resigned as leader of the PC party after leading the Tories to a historic election loss May 5.
Zwozdesky said he suspects the portrait for each will be unveiled in separate, dedicated ceremonies