Altona's signature giant Van Gogh painting, Sunflowers, is getting redone. Town council made the decision earlier this week.
"With the funds that have been dedicated (through fund raising) and some of the insurance money that's come in, we advised administration to move forward," explained Mayor Harv Schroeder.
A community survey conducted at the start of the year indicated, noted Schroeder, that the landmark was important and should be replaced. In addition, the survey results noted a strong community desire to try and fund raise to help pay for the effort. So, the Town launched a campaign to generate funds to help offset the estimated $70,000 cost of redoing the entire piece.
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"This week, we had a resident come forward and say they were willing to fund raise $25,000," said Schroeder. "The next day, we were given notice of our insurance claim that we would be receiving just over $22,000. That brings us right close to $50,000."
Council has committed to covering the remainder of the cost, but donations are still graciously being accepted to help reduce that number.
Charitable donations can be made directly to the Town of Altona at the Altona Civic Centre at 111 Centre Ave E, or you can send an e-transfer to reception@altona.ca. If sending an e-transfer, you must include the following information in the memo:
Big Easel Donation
Donor's Full Name
Donor's Mailing Address
Donor's Phone Number
Based on the survey results and the money that's been raised so far, it's clear the painting is important to the community, citing tourism as one of the benefits.
"In speaking to one of the (local) business owners, when he crosses other communities and even other provinces, this often comes up - that we have the big Van Gogh painting in our community. So, it's probably more important than sometimes people think."
Meantime, town administrators have contacted the original artist, Cameron Cross, who will be creating the new painting about next steps.
As for what measures will be taken to protect the new painting from environmental damage that wore away at the original, Schroeder says the backing will be marine-grade plywood that can better stand up to the elements, and it will be up to the artist as to what the best product will be to protect the front.