The City of Prince Albert is launching a public art tour to not only embrace the murals and sculptures already on display, but also to encourage more in the future.
The new Public Art & Heritage in the Heart of Prince Albert brochure walks local residents and tourists through 10 different installations across the city. The tours are primarily self-guided, but you can reach out in advance to arrange a guided tour by former Mann Art Gallery Director/Curator Jesse Campbell.
“The beauty about public art is it’s accessible to all,” said the City’s Arts and Culture Coordinator Judy MacLeod Campbell.
“Everyone has the opportunity to view the art and everyone sees the art differently. I think it’s a way to explore a theme, to explore perhaps an issue sometimes, to learn more about that particular artist.”
Not all of Prince Albert’s public art is included in the tour. It’s focused on the two core areas of the city: Downtown and the Kinsmen Park area.
In the Kinsmen Park area, for example, you’ll find the 2019 mural ‘Summer’s Breeze’ by Jayde Goodon. He’s a Saskatoon-based Métis artist who paints under the name WizWon.
The mural is located at the Kinsmen Water Park along First Avenue West. The piece is of the profile view of woman in front of various designs, including a splash of blue representing water.
The Leo Lachance Memorial is located at the provincial court on 11th Street West. The sculpture was completed in 2001 by Lloyd Pinay. It not only honours Lachance––who was shot and killed by Carney Nerland in Prince Albert in 1991––but also depicts the relationship between Indigenous people and nature.
MacLeod Campbell said the City wanted to start a public art tour for both local residents and tourists. Tourism may be currently lacking because of COVID-19, but she said they’ll likely continue guided tours every spring, summer and early fall.
“For local people, I don’t think we’re always aware of the different public art that we have,” she said.
“And I think with that awareness, we always want to add more. So whether that’s city-led or led by a non-profit arts organization or a business or a new development area that wants to add public art, it certainly enhances and beautifies the city.”
The brochure also lists the city’s art galleries and local restaurants that display artwork, such as the Bison Café and Amy’s on Second. You can view the brochure on the City of Prince Albert’s website.
The idea originated from the Municipal Cultural Action Plan, which includes the Prince Albert Historical Society. It started hosting walking tours from tourist requests.
MacLeod Campbell said that’s one of the initiatives that inspired a public art tour. She’s also gone on public art tours in other communities, such as Saskatoon, and wanted to offer it in Prince Albert.
To arrange a guided tour, email pa.art.tour@gmail.com.
