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"THE PROJECT"
In the fall of 2003, as Concordia University inaugurated its new Richard J. Renaud Science Complex, the ceremonies triggered a series of events that bear proud witness to the uniqueness of the place. The impetus for this sculpture project, therefore, stems from a desire to pay homage to the Iroquoian heritage by marking this fact with a sculpture, which would also act as an educational catalyst.
In the summer of 2004, Mr. McGary, encouraged by the enthusiasm of Mr. Richard Renaud, had several discussions with the former Mohawk Chief Joe Norton, Tammy Beauvais and several community members from the Mohawk community of Kahnawake. As the concept of the piece began to take form, the artist also spent extensive time discussing the sculpture with Dr. Moira McCaffrey, Director of Exhibitions at the McCord Museum in Montreal. From these various exchanges, the project evolved to a seated male figure with a standing female figure. Some of the clothing items on the sculpture are inspired by actual artifacts from the McCord Museum collection (a few of these historic objects will be on display at the museum in September-October 2005).
The Emergence of the Chief is slated for installation in October 2005, figuring prominently at one of the key intersections of the Loyola campus, the symbolic meeting place of historic and contemporary buildings (between the Richard J. Renaud, the Drummond and the Administration buildings). It will rest on a natural-stone (local granite) base.
As a unique engagement to an organization commissioning his work, Mr. McGary and his associated galleries, including Claggett/Rey Gallery and Expressions in Bronze Gallery, will create an endowment for First Nations students from a percentage of sales made from the limited number of replicas created.
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Concordia University 2005. All Rights Reserved |
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