Spotlight on the Quidi Vidi Art Search Launch

The beautiful and historic Quidi Vidi Village in St. John’s draws visitors from near and far for its stunning scenery, local arts and crafts at the Quidi Vidi Village Artisan Studios, and it’s tasty food and drink scene. Now, through an infusion of public art, there’s yet another reason to visit and explore everything the area has to offer.

A crowd gathers for the launch of the Quidi Vidi Art Search on May 19. Photo: Ritche Perez

Members of the public (including Quidi Vidi Village community members), local artists and arts organizations, members of the business community, and representatives from the City of St. John’s joined Business & Arts NL board and staff at The Wharf for the official launch of the Quidi Vidi Art Search on May 19.

Business & Arts NL Program Coordinator Lynn Panting hands out Quidi Vidi Art Search cards to guests. Photo: Ritche Perez

Championed by artists, community partners and business owners in the area, the Quidi Vidi Art Search is a public art project supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Rediscover Main Streets initiative, which helps Atlantic Canadians to re-experience their neighbourhoods, while breathing new life into local economics affected by the pandemic.

Business & Arts NL's Executive Director Amy Henderson addresses the crowd. Photo: Ritche Perez

Consisting of five works of public art by local artists which (through wood, stone, paint, glass, aluminium and steel) speak to the past, present and future of Quidi Vidi Village, the Art Search invites visitors to experience the area in a new way as they enjoy the nature, enterprises, culture and history, and everything the village has to offer.

Ian Gillies with his and Marc Fiset's sculpture "The Fishery" at The Wharf at Quidi Vidi. Photo: Ritche Perez

This latest initiative (coordinated by Lynn Panting, Business & Arts NL’s Program Coordinator) is deeply rooted in community, and illustrates Business & Arts NL’s mandate of driving collaborations between local artists and the community that are mutually beneficial.

“When we reached out to these partners to suggest the idea, we weren’t sure what their reaction would be. So imagine our delight when our unique query was met with resounding 'yesses,'” says Amy Henderson, Executive Director of Business & Arts NL.

Artist Julie Lewis (L) and Business & Arts NL's Amy Henderson speak with guests at the Quidi Vidi Art Search launch. Photo: Ritche Perez

Business & Arts NL received about 40 applications from artists from across the province, and worked with public art consultant Jane Walker and each partner to create a brief outlining what was to be accomplished (or if there was a problem that could be solved or a message that could be conveyed).

Robert Hengeveld's piece "Altogether Knotty" gets ready for placement. Two lengths of steel pipe are bent and twisted into knots, representing the yarn, netting, or ropes that contribute to the livelihood of so many in the area. Photo: Ritche Perez

Ultimately, six artists were chosen, who created five pieces which reflect a different aspect of the village in a unique, creative and colourful way. The artists/works and locations/community partnerships include: Julie Lewis (“The Sugarloaf” at Sugarloaf Path) - City of St. John’s; Robert Hengeveld ("Altogether Knotty”) - Quidi Vidi Village Artisan Studios; Kevin-Barry Martin ("Moratorium Cod Drying”) - The Inn by Mallard Cottage; Ian Gillies and Marc Fiset (“The Fishery”) - The Wharf; and Vessela Brakalova ("Iceberg in a Bottle”) - Quidi Vidi Brewery. (Those visiting the area will find plaques with QR codes besides each work, which will take them to the webpage for the project where they can find artist information and details about each piece.)

Artist Vessela Brakalova does an interview at the launch of the Quidi Vidi Art Search. Photo: Ritche Perez

"This project aims to create buzz in Quidi Vidi Village that is greater than the sum of its parts. And we know that there is great potential for powerful placemaking like this in every corner of this province,” Henderson says.

"Yes, these fantastic artists have won these commissioning opportunities; yes, these businesses and organizations now host eye-catching original artworks. But put these five together, and you’ve got a curiosity-piquing cultural destination, and yet another reason to come down and explore, enjoy, hike, stay, drink, and eat in this vibrant, charming corner of the province.”

St. John's Mayor Danny Breen speaks to the crowd at the Quidi Vidi Art Search launch. Photo: Ritche Perez

To learn more about the Quidi Vidi Art Search and the artists and public art pieces involved, please visit the Quidi Vidi Art Search webpage here.

In the coming months, we’ll be featuring each artist and community partner in our Spotlight on Partnerships, giving more insight into their work and creative process. Stay tuned!