Council hopes to turn downed trees into works of art
News
Posted 1 month ago
Amanda Smith is hoping to turn a devastating loss by the municipality, into a virtual work of art and a tourist attraction.
With thousands of trees lost in the June 6 tornado, the manager of culture and recreation services, has been looking at creative ways to turn the downed trees into works of art.
Smith asked council's permission to apply for a grant under the Pepsi Refresh Project.
The Refresh project is a Canada-wide, online voting competition to award money to communities in need of a little refreshing.
No newcomer to online voting programs (Smith was the force behind Kingsville's Kraft Hockeyville bid in recent years), Smith said she would like to apply for $10,000 to have some of the tree stumps carved into works of art, or some of the larger limbs used to make benches.
Smith said if the 'Tree Sculpture Legacy Project' is accepted, online voting will run from September 1 to October 31.
If indeed Leamington does succeed in its bid, Smith said the grant cheque would arrive within about four weeks.
"That's a fine example of taking lemons and turning them into lemonade," said Councillor Hilda MacDonald.
Councillor Rick Atkin agreed. He said he was delighted by the enthusiasm and brainstorming that occurred at the table.
"If we're not successful with 'Refresh'," said Atkin, "we may want to extend the parameters and involve residents."
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