Art will raise awareness of migratory birds
OTTAWA, May 11, 2017 /CNW/ - Canadian Heritage and Environment and Climate Change Canada have teamed up to offer innovative and original ways to raise awareness of an important cause: conservation of migratory birds. Residents and tourists in Canada's Capital Region can visit the new public art exhibition In Fine Feather. The public is also invited to a free art workshop taking place nearby at the library of the Maison du Citoyen on Saturday, May 13.
The exhibition In Fine Feather has been installed along Laurier Street between Victoria and De l'Hôtel-de-Ville streets in Gatineau for several weeks. It features reproductions of works by students in the Fine Arts department at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick.
The project is a collaboration between Mount Allison University, Canadian Heritage and Environment and Climate Change Canada's Canadian Wildlife Service. It marks the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Birds Convention Act. The Act provides for the protection of hundreds of species—ducks, geese, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, chickadees and many more—that migrate all across the Americas. The students' creations illustrate the importance of this legislation, as well as the beauty and fragility of migratory birds.
In Fine Feather is presented as part of the Art in the Capital program, which promotes public urban art and celebrates Canada's artistic talent. The exhibition will be displayed until December 2017.
Quotes
"We are very proud of this collaboration with the Canadian Wildlife Service. Public art is an excellent way to draw attention to an important cause, such as the value of migratory birds, and to provide opportunities for artists to display their work. We are fortunate to have such talented artists in Canada, and I invite all residents and visitors to view this wonderful exhibition."
—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"Migratory birds have always inspired artists. It is essential to protect our biodiversity so we can continue to admire our birds. I invite the public to see these works and get involved in protecting birds, as we have done for the past 100 years."
—The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Quick Facts
- The names of the artists and the titles of their works can be found on the Canadian Heritage website.
- The free art workshop offered by the Canadian Wildlife Service will take place on Saturday, May 13, World Migratory Bird Day. Sessions will be offered at 1:00 p.m., 2:15 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. No experience is required. Space is limited, so reservations are required by email at [email protected].
- The Migratory Birds Convention Act came into force in 1917.
- World Migratory Bird Day takes place the second Saturday of May in Canada and the United States.
Associated Links
Art in the Capital
Art in the Courtyards
Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada
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SOURCE Canadian Heritage
For more information (media only), please contact: Pierre-Olivier Herbert, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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