Justin Trudeau explores artistic side
First time leader has publicly revealed any sketching ability
As part of an 11th-hour bid to boost funds, the Liberal Party of Canada is offering donors a piece of “original artwork” by Leader Justin Trudeau.
The sketch, entitled “Canadian Liberty,” features Trudeau’s impression of the exterior of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg.
Designed by New Mexico architect Antoine Predock, the building is clad in overlapping sheaths of glass.
Liberal sources said the drawing was chosen to complement a March speech in which Trudeau accused the Conservatives of sowing fear against Muslims.
“It’s an image of Canadian liberty, this museum, so we wanted to choose it as a message to our supporters and donors,” said Olivier Duchesneau, a Liberal Party spokesman.
An image of the sketch was first sent to Liberal supporters in a March 30 email, whose subject line was simply the word “Gorgeous.”
If they could bring the month’s total contributions to $350,000 by midnight, the email promised, all March donors would receive the “beautiful, limited-edition original Justin Trudeau sketch as a postcard!”
As of press time, the drive was still $53,024 short of the goal.
This appears to be the first time Trudeau has publicly revealed any sketching ability.
He has an arts degree, with English literature as a major.
Few leading Canadian politicians have any sculptures or drawings to their name, though Prime Minister Stephen Harper has appeared in amateur rock concerts and wrote a book on the early history of professional hockey.
Former British prime minister Winston Churchill famously painted throughout his political career, producing more than 500 pieces.
Two years ago, a Romanian hacker revealed president George W. Bush had taken up painting since leaving the White House.
Some of Bush’s works have gone on show, including a rough-hewed depiction of Harper that was clearly cribbed from his Wikipedia portrait.