New program launched in Summerside

A beautiful piece of art is known to stir the soul and give rise to an abundance of feelings and creativity, and for that reason it is hoped people will embrace the new art lending program in Summerside.

It is an initiative of Wyatt Heritage Properties Inc. (WHPI) in partnership with Culture Summerside and the Summerside Rotary Library.

For some time it has been an objective of WHPI and Culture Summerside, the city's arts, heritage, and culture division of the City of Summerside, to bring to the community increased accessibility to original works of art by local visual artists.

Not everyone is comfortable visiting an art gallery or can afford to own original works.

Now, with a swipe of a library card, people can borrow artwork to grace their living space.

"We are really excited to be a part of this important project, which makes art accessible to the public," said Rebecca Boulter, regional librarian with Summerside Rotary Library.

As part of the 2020 Summerside Arts Festival held in July, 20 local artists each created a framed five-by-seven inch original work for the new program.

The artwork includes a number of mediums and subject matter. The variety will appeal to a wide spectrum of tastes. The plan is to grow the collection in the coming years.

Lori Ellis, of Wyatt Heritage Properties Inc. and Culture Summerside, is grateful for the funding support of the Department of Canadian Heritage and the City of Summerside in making the art lending program a reality.

“This is a wonderful venture that I hope the public will be inspired to embrace. As an artist myself, I know the joy that art brings to life. We are so excited to partner with the Summerside Rotary Library for it will enable the program to reach a large audience. Great partners build vibrant artistic communities.”