Back to Search(HUNTSVILLE, ON) The Town of Huntsville is thrilled to continue supporting the importance of public art, with the help and generous donation of community members. The Town of Huntsville would like to acknowledge and thank Bill and Donna Jensen for the donation of a Muskoka Landscape triptych tapestry and Owl on the Prowl, a 5’x 9’ sculpture. Through committee approval, the Town has graciously accepted both art donations and are pleased to announce that they are now on public display at the Canada Summit Centre and Active Living Centre.
“Their understanding of the importance of supporting local artists and providing the community with the benefit of enjoying art in public spaces is a terrific example of art appreciation.” says Trish Conley-Knight, Manager of Recreation, Culture and Heritage. “It is important to provide exposure of the visual arts to our children and youth, it helps foster creativity, wonder, and a connection to our community.” explains Conley-Knight.
Marni Martin, a local artist, resident, and business owner of Marni Martin Fibre Studio, developed the triptych tapestry that reflects the local landscape and includes 21 different kinds of fabric to mirror the beauty of Muskoka. The 5’x 9’ sculpture, known as the Owl on the Prowl was created by another local artist and resident Brenda Wainman-Goulet in 2005. Wainman-Goulet passed away in 2018 but her legacy is showcased in various public art installations along Huntsville Main Street.
“We decided to donate our treasures to the Town of Huntsville so that they could stay in the environment for which they were created and so that as many people as possible could learn to appreciate the artists who created them.” said Bill and Donna Jensen. “We are thrilled that we can provide the community of Huntsville with a legacy that celebrates local artists.”
Both art pieces are currently displayed at the Canada Summit Centre and the Active Living Centre, and all visitors are welcome to view the Muskoka Landscape and the Owl on the Prowl during facility operating hours.
The Town of Huntsville is committed to showcasing local artists in our community and encourage all visitors to also view the Partners Hall Art Exhibit inside Algonquin Theatre where various art pieces are displayed and available for purchase.
For more information about public art programs in Huntsville, please contact Trish Conley-Knight at trish.conley-knight@huntsville.ca or (705) 789-6421 ext. 3021.
-30-
The Jensen’s Connection to Muskoka and Supporting the Local Artists
Bill and Donna Jensen believe strongly in supporting our local artists. In 1985, Bill built a cottage in Dwight Bay on Crosswinds Cove Road and with a new cottage, they did not only want to fill their walls with framed photos, but also wanted to include local art and décor. They committed to supporting local artists and envisioned art that encapsulated the beauty of Muskoka. In 1997, while visiting The Framing Place and Gallery, the owner connected the Jensen’s with a new graduate from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) who had recently returned to her home in Huntsville, Marni Martin.
Martin and the Jensen’s discussed and agreed upon a triptych tapestry that would reflect the local landscape of Muskoka. This would be the first commission that Martin would receive in her career and the Jensen’s were thrilled to help a young local artist get started. After a few months, Martin completed a beautiful triptych tapestry that included 21 different kinds of fabric.
“The process of weaving the three pieces: the middle (widest one) took up the full width of her loom and the two narrower pieces were done together.” described by the Bill Jensen. “It’s incredible that the features in each part match the others perfectly. Since then, many visitors have commented on this unique piece of art that so wonderfully mirrors the beauty of Muskoka.”
While they continued to fill their cottage with pieces from local artists, there was another wall to fill in 2003 as they expanded their cottage. The Jensen’s connected with Brenda Wainman-Goulet at her studio and discussed filling the space with art that reflected the local topography and wildlife. With consultation, both agreed to a 5’x 9’ sculpture that features a copse of pine trees with a barn owl ready to take off from one of the branches that would be mounted onto a plywood backing.
In the summer of 2005, Wainman-Goulet delivered her masterpiece and the Jensen’s decided to name the sculpture, “Owl on the Prowl”.
In 2021, after 35 years, the Jensen’s decided to sell their cottage and graciously chose to donate both art pieces to the Town of Huntsville. “We decided to donate our treasures to the Town of Huntsville so that they could stay in the environment for which they were created and so that as many people as possible could learn to appreciate the artists who created them.” said Bill and Donna Jensen. “We are thrilled that we can provide the community of Huntsville with a legacy that celebrates local artists.”
Through committee approval, the Town of Huntsville has graciously accepted both art pieces and are now displayed at the Canada Summit Centre and Active Living Centre.
Below: Bill and Donna Jensen Photo by Heather Douglas Photography
Below: Muskoka Landscape, by Marni Martin and Owl on the Prowl By Brenda Wainman-Goulet
Subscribe