Province makes purchases for Art Bank

Artist Rilla Marshall says having her work selected for the Art Bank means a lot to her because it will be part of a collection that represents Prince Edward Island.

Marshall’s work was one of 12 pieces selected for purchase by a peer-review jury out of 59 submissions. The Art Bank acquires, loans out, and displays works by professional Island artists for public spaces.

"This Art Bank collection demonstrates the value of visual artists in the examination of our contemporary culture,” Marshall said. “My artwork 'Greenwich Peninsula, PEI' highlights a significant story of change within the Island's vulnerable coastal landscape. Through my handwoven and embroidered work, I strive to translate technical data about our familiar landscape into tangible textiles."

Although the provincial government discontinued its investments in the Art Bank in 2014, a key action from 2017’s Culture Action Plan was to renew annual investments in the Art Bank. This year $20,000 worth of art was purchased, followed by $10,000 yearly over the next four years.

“One of the reasons we are the Mighty Island is that Islanders use our small size and interconnectedness to our advantage, working together to help one another for the benefit of our entire province,” Education, Early Learning and Culture Minister Jordan Brown said. “Resuming purchases to the Art Bank is just one of many action items from our culture action plan that continues to support Island artists and enrich our cultural experience for Islanders and visitors alike.”

The Art Bank is a working collection -- with most items displayed in reception and high-traffic areas of public buildings. It is also available for educational use. It is a joint effort between the province’s departments of Education, Early Learning and Culture and Economic Development and Tourism.

Media contact:
Hillary MacDonald
Department of Education, Early Learning and Culture
hpsmacdonald@gov.pe.ca

Backgrounder

Here are the successful submissions purchased for the provincial art bank:

Artist: Brenda Whiteway
Title of Work: Coastline in Winter
Medium: oil on canvas

Artist: Christine Trainor
Title of Work: ‘Unfinished Sky’
Medium: oil on canvas

Artist: Damien Worth
Title of Work: Mother (field)
Medium: mixed media on canvas

Artist: Hans Wendt
Title of Work: Paper Stack #7
Medium: watercolour on paper

Artist: Jason “Lenny” Gallant
Title of Work: The Narrows
Medium: wood

Artist: Monica Lacey
Title of Work: Island Light
Medium: digital photo composites printed on aluminium

Artist: Nancy Cole
Title of Work: Jimmy Bishop Fishes Oysters
Medium: hand quilted textile

Artist: Noella Richard
Title of Work: Saison des foins
Medium: oil on canvas

Artist: Norah Pendergast
Title of Work: The Shame of Meek
Medium: acrylic on canvas

Artist: Rilla Marshall
Title of Work: Greenwich Peninsula, PEI
Medium: cotton and hand spun wool (hand woven and embroidered)

Artist: Susan Christensen
Title of Work: Confederation Bridge, PEI
Medium: acrylic on canvas

Artist: Terry Stevenson
Title of Work: Northern Lights
Medium: acrylic on canvas