For the second year in a row, banners designed by local artists will hang from posts around the city—downtown and along Highway 108 going through Elliot Lake.
Well-known local artist Linda Finn who helped coordinate the project, said this year artists of all ages submitted entries.
“Thirty-six artists designed a total of 41 new banners this year. Since we had well over 100 entries, it was a very difficult decision for the selection committee,” she told ElliotLakeToday.
“Many of the submissions came from the schools, so about 20 of the artists are youth and children—Elliot Lake's up-and-coming artists. The youngest designers this year were four-year-olds and the oldest refuse to divulge their ages,” she added.
Also assisting in coordinating the project was city museum director, Amelia D’Amato. The city budgeted $3,600 toward the project.
Last year, 37 banners were printed and hung. Those banners have already been hung mostly along portions of Highway 108. They will be joined by this year’s selection of banners under the slogan “Our Town.”
Of the 41 new banners, 14 will be displayed in the Lower Plaza of the downtown area, four will be displayed in the Upper Plaza, two along Saskatchewan Rd, 14 along Manitoba Rd, six will continue along Ontario Ave and one will be placed on Hwy 108 near the Miner’s Memorial Park.
“It will be a great excuse to go for a walk and take a good look at the talent in our community,” Finn said.
If COVID restrictions allow, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony and launch of the new banners July 1 and if that doesn’t happen then, the plan is for a later date when pandemic restrictions are lifted to allow for more people to attend the ribbon cutting.