You may not be able to save the Robertson Headframe, but you might yet be able to sculpt it.
Or paint it, or record it, or interpret it in just about any way you like.
The Long John Jamboree and a Yellowknife artists’ group have combined to launch an art show dedicated to the former Con Mine headframe – the future of which lies in question after recent efforts to preserve it were called off.
“Because it has been so topical, we thought it would be fun to ask people to reflect on it using any medium they wanted,” said organizer Janna Graham, from the Yellowknife Artist Run Community Centre (YKARCC).
“They can take a historical tack or get wild and imaginative and think about what it could be, what kind of place it could have in our community.
“It could be an architectural imagining, or something completely different. We’re open to anything from sculpture, to painting, to audio interpretations.”
The giant, red-topped headframe has been a Yellowknife icon for decades but sits on the contaminated former site of a gold mine.
Earlier this year, the City of Yellowknife drew a halt to its bid to save the headframe, citing legal issues.
Read: Yellowknife council votes to end Robertson headframe talks
While a campaign to keep the headframe remains in place, the structure may end up being demolished as part of the mine site’s clean-up process.
Graham says the Jamboree art show represents a chance to pay tribute to the headframe, using any means you like – no matter your skill level.
“We’re open to anyone, whether they self-identify as an artist or not,” she told Moose FM.
“If you have an idea and want to put paint to canvas, or some clay on the table, go for it. It’s meant to be a fun, community-building opportunity.”
Around $750 in prize money is on offer. There will be a people’s choice award alongside a range of judged categories.
To enter, bring your artwork to the YKARCC – located above the Taste of Saigon restaurant at 4913 50th Street – between 5pm and 7pm on Monday, March 23.
Your art will be installed and exhibited at the Jamboree for the duration of the festival.
