Premier Pat Binns today announced four additions to the Provincial Art Bank.
"The Provincial Art Bank serves as an important tool in the promotion of the artistic abilities of Island artists," said Premier Binns. "Our Art Bank now boasts more than 100 works which are proudly displayed throughout government buildings for all Islanders to see and enjoy."
This year, the Art Bank was able to acquire three works from the Garden of the Gulf Exhibition to add to the provincial collection:
• Pollack – Acrylic on canvas by Karl MacKeeman of Charlottetown;
• Mermaids Sailing – Acrylic on canvas by Nancy Perkins of Murray River; and,
• Summer Solstice – a monoprint on paper by Lesley Dubey of Tyne Valley.
The province was also the proud recipient of an important work donated by internationally known Island painter Brian Burke. This striking oil painting, titled Black Tie, is currently hanging at the Atlantic Technology Centre.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Burke for this wonderful donation to the province – we will display it and the other pieces we have acquired with great pride," said Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs. "I invite all Islanders to view the wonderful works of Island artists currently displayed at the Garden of the Gulf Exhibition which runs until May 25, 2003 at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery."
The Provincial Art Bank works to promote Island artists by purchasing works of art and displaying them throughout government offices. The Provincial Art Bank was started approximately 20 years ago to promote the creative talents of Island visual artists. After being dormant for several years, the province has recently begun purchasing pieces through the Garden of the Gulf Exhibition, in an effort to address a commitment to support and promote the province's arts and cultural industries announced with the release of A Cultural Policy for Prince Edward Island in 2002. The Art Bank is representative of 70 artists whose works include several media, such as pottery, textiles, watercolours, acrylics and wood.