KAMLOOPS-Forty-six applied, and three have been shortlisted.

The public is invited to view and comment on “the best of the best” artwork proposals for the artwork being commissioned for UCC’s new International Building.

The artwork, intended as the main feature of the building’s west entrance which features a semicircular glass facade, is required to correspond to one or more themes suggested by the form, function and history of the site, including: the geological/geographical site of the building and the Kamloops landscape; the recent and past cultural history of the site and of Kamloops; the observatory to be reconstructed as part of the building; the international and global community of the International Building and the UCC campus.

People will be able to view drawings and scale models for four days next week, from Wednesday, April 14th through Saturday, April 17th and talk with the three pairs of shortlisted artists: Nancy Chew and Jacqueline Metz of Vancouver, Emily Barnett and Bart Habermiller of Calgary, and Kirsty and Philip Robbins of Vancouver. They’re also encouraged to express opinions.

“This is an opportunity for the UCC and broader communities to share their opinions and perspectives on the artwork that’s going to become part of UCC campus,” said UCC School of Education Dean Kathryn McNaughton, a selection
committee member, adding that the public’s opinions will weigh strongly in the committee’s choice of the winning proposal. Choosing a winner won’t be easy.

“These three proposals are all strong, interesting propositions,” said UCC Visual Arts instructor Donald Lawrence, also a member of the selection committee. The pieces are all suspended works, and all use light and space in creative ways throughout the levels of the building entrance, he said, adding that the artists have created their works in miniature so that the public can get a 3-dimensional feel for the pieces.

The winning artwork will be showcased in the entrance of one of UCC’s premium architectural features, and will attract the attention of the many international visitors from around the world who visit the UCC campus.

The artwork proposals will be on display in Room 1611 of UCC’s Old Main building on Wednesday, April 14th from 1:00 to 5:00 pm, Thursday from 1:00 to 5:00 pm, Friday from 2:00 to 5:00 pm and Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

A catered reception for the artists will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 15th.