For artist Michel Beauvais, being reunited with a sculpture he created in 2001 was a joy.
Beauvais, a Mohawk artist, is a member of the Kahnawake Mohawk Band near Montreal, Quebec. He grew up in Ste-Adele, Quebec and now lives in Sechelt, B.C.
Beauvais said he was commissioned to create Medicine Healer more than a decade ago. The marble sculpture, which is around five feet tall, was eventually purchased by the Winspear family, who in turn has donated it to the Mary Winspear Centre MWC).
At a special celebration on June 21, the artwork was revealed at the MWC, attended by Beauvais, town dignitaries, guests and members of the Winspear family.
Malcolm Winspear and his wife Jill (third generation Winspears) made the trip to Sidney from San Francisco. Malcolm said the sculpture belonged to his father, Bill, who had a love of First Nations art — especially Inuit work. Malcolm’s sister Debbie, who was at the event with husband Dave Allan, has spoken with MWC executive director Brad Edgett about making another donation of art from the family.
Already, the Centre is home to a sculpture by Beauvais, on display in the Myfanwy Pavelic Gallery.
“It’s great to have the Mary Winspear Centre here for the community,” Malcolm said.