CENTRE WELLINGTON – Since 2010, the Elora Sculpture Project has been adding beauty and artistry to Centre Wellington.
A volunteer committee manages the project (in cooperation with the Township of Centre Wellington), with financial support from local residents, businesses and the Fergus and Elora BIAs.
Originally the call for submissions was open to local hobbyists, students and artists, but the call has been expanded to anyone in Canada working in mixed mediums suitable for the outdoors.
This year there are 19 new sculptures to discover from creators as far away as Halifax and Vancouver, and from several local artists.
Committee member David Scott said he likes the surprise factor, meaning someone can happen upon a sculpture unexpectedly.
“You then discover there is a whole series of installations to explore. Each with their own experience,” he said.
Sculptor Mike Salisbury of Guelph used mixed media, including an abandoned Bell phone box, to create It Was All a Dream, located in Templin Gardens in Fergus.
“I like to create art out of post-industrial leftover materials,” Salisbury said.
“The younger generation may look at this and say ‘what in the world is that’? But the older generation knows exactly what it is. It used to be our lifeline to the outside.”
Mason Tina Hart used limestone to create Our Secret, a sculpture located in Elora’s Green Space. She encourages people to touch the piece to “feel the systemic vibration, the energy.”
Hart said she has been a stone sculptor for 18 years.
“I love this event, coming to see everyone else’s work. It’s inspirational,” she said.
Most of the works in the exhibit are available for sale. For information visit elorasculpture.ca.
