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Totem poles unveiled at Prestonpans Library
| Totem
poles unveiled |
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Totem
poles unveiled at Prestonpans Library
Prestonpans Library has unveiled a new local landmark in the town – five
totem poles crafted by local residents of all ages as part of a community
art project and sited at the entrance to the library. |
The
totem poles were developed by the Prestonpans Library Art Project,
which started in late November 2007. Artist Susheila Jamieson worked
with local
adults and children who volunteered after spotting a poster in the
library. The group elected to make a group of totems – the length
of the totems allowing several people to work at the same time. Around
14 children
and 8 adults worked on the totem poles, devoting their Saturday mornings
over 10 weeks. |
A
small celebration was held at Prestonpans Library on 9 May 2008 to
mark the completion
of the totem poles, attended by library staff, volunteers and their
families. Cabinet member for Community Services Councillor Stuart Currie
who spoke
at the event, said: “The impressive results speak for themselves.
This is an inspiring project that has seen a group of dedicated individuals
come together to craft a legacy that will be enjoyed by the community
for many years to come.” |
Traditionally,
totem poles were used as memorial markers to record the history and
heritage of people, places or incidents. The poles at Prestonpans Library
are
around 6 feet high and have been carved with the names of nearby local
landmarks in the area – the large rocks at Prestonpans beach. |
Artist
Susheila Jamieson, an artist who works with community organisations
on art projects led the group, which varied each week depending on
who was
available. She said: “When we started the project we had no fixed
idea of what the finished artwork should be, except that we wanted
to use natural materials to complement the building. Prestonpans was
rich
in possible themes for the carvings, but when the group started to
discuss the large rocks they seemed ideal. The rocks have remained
local landmarks
through all of the historical and industrial changes that the town
has seen. It also seemed appropriate that the library should use the
names
in a new context as hopefully it will encourage people to find out
more about them.“ |
The
sculpture, which cost £4000, was funded through the Council’s
Percent for Art programme and by its Arts Development Service. |
Notes
to Editors:
The names inscribed on the totem poles are: |
o |
Humlicks |
o |
Skelly |
o |
Mathies |
o |
Johnny
Moat |
o |
Ringans
Hole |
o |
Canty |
o |
Girdl |
Susheila
Jamieson has extensive experience working with community groups on
art projects. She has undertaken public commissions for organisations
such as Scottish Natural Heritage and Sustrans, as well as creating
large-scale carvings in wood and stone for private sale. Her latest
exhibition, ‘Sea
Change: Works inspired by the sea at Prestongrange’, takes its inspiration
from the coast around Prestongrange and Cockenzie Power Station in East
Lothian and is currently appearing at the Powerhouse, Prestongrange Museum
from 3 May – 29 June. |
ENDS
9 May 2008
Issued by Joanne Allen, Public Relations Officer
Tel: 01620 827800 |
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