"It opens the door to yet another group of people and brings the Summit closer to the community," stated Len Edwards, executive director for the Halifax Summit Office. "It's a win-win situation for everyone involved. World leaders will get a taste of the exceptional talent of Nova Scotia craftspeople, who in turn will be gaining exposure on an international level."
The collection of 100 pieces of visual and decorative art, ranging from pottery and wall hangings to carvings and castings, will be sold at an exhibition following the Summit. Each item will be tagged with a certificate indicating exactly where it was exhibited.
"This project presents an excellent opportunity to profile the local craftspeople and showcase the wealth of talent in this region, and at the same time allow them to potentially sell some of their work," commented Walter Ostrom, coordinator of the project and chairperson of the Craft Division at the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design, (NSCAD).
"The response from the local community has been very positive. Organizations like the Nova Scotia Designer Craft Council, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and many others are very excited to be participating," stated Ostrom.
Students from NSCAD will assist Summit organizers with the installation of these items at the sites. The College is also preparing a brochure providing descriptions of the various pieces of art which will make up the "Summit Collection".
The Summit is a gathering of leaders from the seven largest industrialized nations as well as representatives of the European Union and the Russian Federation. The event will take place in Halifax from June 15 -17, 1995.
For more information contact:
Malcolm McKechnie Halifax Summit Office Official Spokesperson (902) 473-7117 or Angela Surrette Communications/Media Relations (902) 473-7119