Group of Seven / Tom Thomson Mural Proposal by the Friends of the Dwight Library Proposal: The Friends of the Dwight Library propose to commission an artist to complete a mural of a Group of Seven or Tom Thomson painting that reflects the local landscape, and to have the mural erected in 2017 on the easterly end of the Dwight Community Centre at 1014 Dwight Beach Road. Goals: 1) Commemorate the Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary of Canada, as well as the 100th Anniversary of the death of Canadian artist Tom Thomson; 2) Beautify the Dwight Community Centre and Library; and 3) Enhanced marketing of Dwight and area by becoming a participant in the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery initiative and become a location on the mobile tour advertised in the Huntsville/Lake of Bays/Algonquin area under the website www.TheGroupOfSevenOutdoorGallery.ca, as well as their Tour Guide, with a view to helping to increase exposure and visitation to the community. Request: That the Council of the Township of Lake of Bays approve the installation of the proposed mural, and perhaps up to three others should other individuals, groups or businesses be interested, on the walls of the Dwight Community Centre. Background: The Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery is a world class mural collection that was started in 1997 by artist Gerry Lantaigne, and are re-creations of paintings by famous Canadian artists The Group of Seven and Tom Thomson, who began painting extensively in this region over 100 years ago. The murals are located on the exterior walls of stores and businesses throughout Huntsville, Lake of Bays and Algonquin Park, and has been a successful marketing initiative, beautifying our area while paying homage to these iconic artists. A pamphlet details the paintings found along the self-guided tour, and when viewing the murals mobile and smart phone devices can be used to get more information about each one. The Friends of the Dwight Library thought that a fitting project to undertake for Canada’s 150th anniversary, as well as the 100th anniversary of the death of Tom Thomson on Canoe Lake in Algonquin Park, was the commissioning of a mural in honour of this. It is particularly meaningful since Tom Thomson was known to have stayed in Dwight, and at least one member of The Group of Seven, A.J. Casson, painted in Dwight. There are over 90 murals in the collection, but only one is located in Dwight, which is Tom Thomson’s The Drive on the old Aben building, now Don’s Junk Shop. In Baysville there are eight murals, two of which are on the Lake of Bays Community Centre. The mural cost is $5,000.00, which the Friends have committed to, and would be painted by Gerry Lantaigne. A typical mural size is 8 by 10 feet, and painted on aluminum sign board with acrylic paints. It is mounted using screws, and would be removable if necessary. The life expectancy is 20 years. It would likely be completed this year but not erected until July 2017, when it is expected that other commemorations of these events are taking place in the area. The Friends are hopeful that Council will support this venture. We look forward to having the community participate in the creation of the mural, and to years of enjoying its beautiful presence in this public space. Prepared by Kelly Stronks, President, Friends of the Dwight Library cont’d page 2 Group of Seven / Tom Thomson Mural Proposal cont’d View of the east end of the Dwight Community Centre Sample of a painting under consideration: Lawren Harris – Winter Sunrise, 1918 Two murals at the Dorset Heritage Museum .