Hamilton’s Newest Public Art, “Bead Maze” to be Unveiled at June Art Crawl

HAMILTON, ON – June 3, 2016 – The public is invited to join artist Laura Marotta; the Hon. Ted McMeekin, MPP for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale; City and Metrolinx representatives for the unveiling of Marotta’s work, Bead Maze, commissioned for the new West Harbour GO Station.

The unveiling will take place Friday, June 10, 2016 at 7 pm on the east side of the West Harbour GO Station plaza – located at 353 James Street North, just north of Murray Street.

The event coincides with the monthly James Street North Art Crawl and is one of many events taking place as part of Hamilton Arts Week 2016.

About the Art Work

The multi-colour, epoxy coated aluminum work, consists of 28 different shaped beads that are playfully positioned along tubing as if they are swooping, sliding or have been brought to a complete halt. The sculpture recalls an early childhood toy, but one that has been enlarged to create a direct relationship to the body of the viewer. It is designed to reinforce the various ways we connect with transportation and suggests a network in motion, just like the train and bus service from the West Harbour GO Station.

Marotta’s work was selected from 34 submissions by a volunteer jury of citizens, artists and project stakeholders through the City of Hamilton’s public art process. The jury report notes Marotta’s work speaks to “migration, mobility and connections between modes of transportation because the Bead Maze recalls the intersecting lines and movement of a regional transit system”. Jurors also felt that the art work is relatable to people of all ages and highlights that Hamilton’s North End is valued as a child and family-friendly neighbourhood.

The artist was awarded $75,000 for the design, fabrication and delivery to the site of the proposed work. An additional $25,000 was budgeted for installation, the selection process and a contribution to an ongoing maintenance fund. Metrolinx initiated and partially funded the project in response to community consultations on the West Harbour GO Station design.

Speakers

In addition to the artist, Laura Marrotta, the following speakers will be making remarks:

• The Honorable Ted McMeekin, MPP (Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale) and Minister, Municipal Affairs and Housing
• Fred Eisenberger, Mayor, City of Hamilton
• Michael Wolczyk, Vice President, GO Capital Infrastructure at GO Transit
• Jason Farr, Ward 2 Councillor, City of Hamilton
• Jason Thorne, General Manager, Planning and Economic Development Department, City of Hamilton

For more information, please visit West Harbour (James St. North) GO Station Public Art Project

About the City of Hamilton’s Public Art Program

The City defines public art as art created by artists, or in collaboration with artists, through a public process and existing on publicly owned and accessible property.  Public art helps strengthen the city’s visual identity, stimulates the economy, and enhances tourism and community pride. Since 2010, the City’s public art program has received over 175 artist proposals, consulted with over 6,000 members of the public and awarded 17 public art commissions.

For more information, visit www.hamilton.ca/publicart, email [email protected], or call 905-546-2424 ext. 6281.

About Metrolinx

An agency of the Province of Ontario, Metrolinx is embarking on a massive transformation of the existing GO rail system to bring even better rapid transit to Hamilton. With 15-minute service or better all throughout the day between Toronto and Aldershot and new hourly service to and from Hamilton 7 days a week, Hamilton residents will have more options to get where they need to go.

Hamilton Arts Week

Hamilton Arts Week is a project of the Hamilton Arts Council. It takes place across the city from June 5 to 11, 2016.  For more information, visit https://hamiltonartscouncil.ca/artsweek, email [email protected], or call 905-481-3218.