LOCAL ARTIST CHOSEN TO CREATE PROMINENT RAILING

It’s a railing. Or is it art? The City of Nelson and its Cultural Development Commission (CDC) believe that it can be both, and are confident that the people of Nelson will agree.

“We’re excited and proud to announce the results of our first collaboration on incorporating art into public infrastructure,” says Councillor Donna Macdonald, one of the City Council liaisons to the CDC. “After a stiff competition, local artisan Patrick McIvor has been chosen to create a new railing at Gyro Park lookout, which will be built this fall.”

The spectacular viewpoint at Gyro Park, a draw to both locals and tourists, was recently identified as a possible safety risk. Rather than opting for a basic railing, the CDC and the City saw an opportunity to utilize the skills of talented local artisans to create a structure that was not only functional, but a beauty to behold and a destination in and of itself.

The call for proposals went out to the local metalwork community, and the CDC was called on to assemble a jury of experts to judge the proposals according to artistic merit. After a thorough safety vetting by the City, the result was unanimous – Patrick McIvor, owner and founder of Dancing Scot Forge, was the clear winner.

A local artist and blacksmith, McIvor fuses traditional forge techniques with modern methods and technologies to combine metal with wood, stone and glass. Drawing from the earth’s natural materials, he creates stunning, handmade art that not only respects the environment, but enhances it.

Initially self-taught using his great grandfather’s anvil, McIvor went on to study at Selkirk College. Inspired by the quality of the work coming from Europe, he then spent a year in Austria training with Alfred Habermann, considered one of the best blacksmiths in the world.

McIvor competed across Europe, learning from master blacksmiths and honing his craft. Returning to the Kootenays, his hard work paid off when he won the prestigious Peer Choice Award at the 2009 World Blacksmithing Competition at the Calgary Stampede.

“Whether a piece is for a client or my personal expression, I strive to share my joy, wonder, and the way I see the world,” says Patrick. “When designing a piece I give consideration to its function, location, codes or liabilities, and do a quality job that will endure the test of time.”

The CDC put together a jury comprised of industry professionals with direct experience in this field. Denis Kleine is a professional sculptor, metalworker, and a teacher at Kootenay School of the Arts at Selkirk College. Thomas Loh is an artist and architect whose focus is promoting sustainability with a community-oriented vision. David Dobie, the third member of the jury, is an award-winning local building designer.

“This was our first try at having the CDC and the City work together on a public art project,” says Kevin Cormack, city manager. “We’re pleased with the process and the outcome, and look forward to more projects.”

The City of Nelson’s Cultural Development Commission (CDC) is dedicated to the development, promotion and enhancement of Nelson’s art and culture sector.

Dancing Scot Forge website: http://www.dancingscotforge.com

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Joy Barrett

Cultural Development Officer, City of Nelson

Tel: 250-354-9169

cultural@nelson.ca