The Collingwood Downtown Business Improvement Area has announced that Pierre Poussin has been selected to create a public art installation at the corners of Hurontario and First/Huron Streets.
The project was evaluated by a two-stage process, which invited artists to submit credentials, examples of art achievements and their approach to this project. More than 30 submissions were evaluated by the selection committee and three were invited to move forward to stage two, and to provide a concept and detailed design proposal.
At approximately 30 feet in height, the sculptures are each reminiscent of a lighthouse or beacon that shows vessels the way to safe ports. The etchings contained throughout the pieces are a testament to the hard work and ingenuity that were present in the former shipyards, and that helped to establish the municipality as we know it.
The artwork ‘Saga’ is directly inspired by the name of the local Nottawasaga River and Lighthouse. In the Algonquin language, the word “saga” means “mouth of the river”.
The etched silhouettes will feature intricate motifs inspired by the last ship built in the area, as well as one of the first and most common boats made in the community.
The Collingwood Downtown BIA acknowledges the support of the Government of Canada for funding this project though a grant through the FedDev Tourism Relief Fund program. Installation is expected to occur in November.