Bring out your art
Town of Truro asking for submissions to acquisition show
Some of the story of Truro is hanging on the walls of town hall – but there’s still lots of wall space and lots of story left to tell.
The town is once again accepting submissions to its art acquisition show, to be held in April in partnership with the Truro Art Society.
“This is an opportunity for local artists to have their work on display during the show, and a chance for the town to encourage the work of artists, to make room in civic life for art and to acquire and feature it prominently here in our public space,” said Mayor Bill Mills.
The accepted submissions will be part of a public display April 6 to 27 at the McCarthy Hall Gallery at Truro’s NSCC.
A selection committee will also select one of the pieces to be added to the town’s permanent collection.
Much of that collection hangs in the council chambers at town hall but it’s starting to spill out into the hallways now.
“Dusk on Esplanade” by Ron Hazell, acquired in 2016, is just outside the chambers.
“Anyone who has been on Arthur Street in the evening with
the sun going down, that painting will take them right back to the place,” says Mills.
One of Mills’ favourite is “Old Truro Train Station (circa1928)”.
“A lot of people miss the old train station and they say the building should never have been torn down – well that depiction with all its colour and vibrancy, it’s the next best thing to having the building there,” said Mills.
Mills says the County of Colchester’s collection inspired the town to begin theirs and artists should keep in mind there are no borders or boundaries for the acquisition program.
For example he points to a
painting by Richard Wenzel acquired by the town in 2011. “View Toward Onslow” shows geese flying over marshland west of town.
“Truro is within the County of Colchester, this art is meaningful to the people here, this art is a part of our legacy,” he said.
The town is hoping for submissions from painters, sculptors, carvers, potters, rug hookers, quilters, photographers or any other type of artist. It’s free to enter and each artist can submit up to three pieces.
The town launched its art acquisition program in 2006 in an effort to create and maintain a collection of visual art reflecting
the unique historic and artistic development of Truro.
Organizers will announce this year’s selection for the permanent collection at the art show opening on April 6 at 7 p.m.
Information brochures and application forms are available at Douglas Street Recreation Centre, or can be downloaded online at www.truro.ca/livingin-truro/art-acquisition-show. html. The deadline for applications is March 24.