The roundabout at the base of Vancouver Hill has suddenly become very populated and not just by municipal election advertising.
On Tuesday, twelve dancers and a peacock became the newest residents of the circle across from the Penticton Art Gallery, installed as a sculpture entitled The MayPole Dance. On hand to unveil the sculpture were some of Naramata’s oldest alumni students accompanied by some of the youngest (current kindergarten students), along with Mayday dancers from the ages, Penticton council members and Penticton Arts and Culture committee members.
Designed and constructed by the Naramata Elementary School PAC Centennial Committee to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the school, the sculpture recognizes the significance the school has provided, growing both students and Community for the past 100 years and looks to a future of continued growth.
“The depiction of the Maypole dance, the peacock weathervane and the interchangeable aspect of the top captures the past, the present and allows an adaptive, evolving element to capture the spirit of the future at the vibrant little school,” said sculpture artist Deb Linton.
Appreciating the fundamental connections of commerce and community between Naramata and Penticton the group applied and was granted to have a temporary placement of the sculpture at the roundabout in Penticton through September 2015.
“Sharing the significant historical moment with friends and neighbours in Penticton seemed the right thing to do, as obviously Naramata and Penticton have a very dynamic relationship,” said Miranda Halladay, centennial committee member.
The project was realized though fundraising amongst the community and support from Naramata Parks and Recreation and Area E Director Kozakevich. The Naramata School PAC would like to acknowledge the generous donation of time by CAD artist Jeff Gagnon and engineer Kelly Davies of Ecora.
The sculpture will be moved back to Naramata to take up permanent residency in September 2015.