To travel to most places on the planet is to encounter distinctive and vibrant urban environments, where the public art is memorable and contributes richly to the fabric of those communities. We in Canada, and perhaps particularly in the west, have inherited precious few examples of great, let alone appreciably notable public art. How is public art to be regarded in a time where our cities are in constant flux and change? Should it have an enduring place, or is it fated to come and go, as many of our community structures? This event brings together well-regarded local artists, critics, and civic leaders with a breadth of experience – to discuss this timely topic.

Moderator:

Professor Martin Segger – Martin Segger’s administrative and academic career has included the positions of Director of Art Galleries and Collections at the University of Victoria, and adjunct professor in the Department of History in Art, Faculty of Fine Arts. He holds a B.A. in English Literature and a Diploma of Education (Secondary Curriculum) from the University of Victoria, and a Master of Philosophy in Renaissance Cultural Studies from the Warburg Institute, University of London, where he studied under Prof. Sir Ernst Gombrich. In 1982 he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and 1999 a Fellow of the Canadian Museums Association.

He has served as president of the Society of Architectural Historian, Pacific Northwest Chapter and President of the Commonwealth Association of Museums. He has consulted and taught historic preservation planning in South America and Africa. His areas of academic research, teaching and curatorship are architectural history and decorative arts, also heritage and museums studies.

Speakers:

Illarion Gallant – Illarion is both a registered Landscape Architect and a Sculptural Public Artist. He is a Graduate of Emily Carr Institute of Art with studies abroad in Karlsruhe, West Germany and Vienna, Austria. He has been producing public art for 40 years.

Pamela Madoff – Pamela served on Victoria City Council for 25 years, with responsibilities for portfolios such as Art in Public Places, Heritage and Planning. As a councillor, she led the projects to restore the Beacon Hill Park Totem Pole and the Gate of Harmonious Interest.

Robert Randall – Robert is a Victoria based fine artist and graphic designer. Robert has served as co-chair of the Open Spaces Arts Society and chair of the Downtown Residents Association and served as a juror for the B.C. Arts Council grant program. He is currently on Saanich’s Arts, Culture & Community Wellbeing Committee.

JC Scott – JC is an internationally experienced hospitality and residential designer specializing in creating successful projects through eco-design. His volunteer work has included being Co-Chair of the Victoria Public Art Committee and being past Chair of the Victoria Community Arts Council.

Co-hosted by Wentworth Villa Architectural Heritage Museum and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada VI South Network, with support by the Victoria Hallmark Heritage Society, the Victoria UNESCO World Heritage City Program, and by the Friends of Centennial Square.

Doors open at 6:30. $15 at the door. Refreshments will be provided.

This event is sponsored by HCMA Architecture and Design.