A new multimedia art exhibit is opening at the Squamish Public Library, highlighting the B.C. forestry industry.
The exhibit titled The Mill will open on Sept. 11 and is the result of artist Russell Gendron.
The Mill was born from the personal history and curiosity of Gendron himself.
“From ages 11 to 16, I had a summer job working at a sawmill. It was a tough job with tough characters, but these people also cared for me,” Gendron said in a press release.
“They taught me the importance of hard work, how to operate machinery and how to do it all safely.
“For this project, I interviewed forestry workers in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and around British Columbia and asked them about their jobs as a way to share my appreciation for this type of work and for the people who do it.”
The Mill uses sound art and quilting to highlight first-hand accounts of people’s experiences working in forestry.
Viewers of the exhibit will have the chance to hear environmental soundscapes, music made from machine noises and voices talking about daily tasks, industry closures, first experiences at work and more.
Also on display are memory quilts made from forestry worker’s clothing.
According to the release from the Squamish Public Library, memory quilts are “typically designed to celebrate the life of a loved one or an important event.”
“In this case, these quilts honour the workers, communities and the lands and waters impacted by both the industrial and de-industrial processes of forestry,” reads the release.
Squamish Public Library programs and outreach co-ordinator Rachel Bergquist said the team was thrilled to be involved with the exhibit.
“Russell came into the library to use some of the recorded interviews we hold in our archives in his project, and so we’re excited to host this exhibit at the library,” Bergquist said.
The library holds a large historic archive including photographs and audio recordings available online via their website.
The opening evening event will run from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and visitors will have the chance to hear Gendron speak about the project, explore the quilts and sounds, and participate in a Q&A.
The Mill will be on display at the library from Sept. 9th through to the end of October.
To learn more about the event and to register to attend, visit the Squamish Public Library website.
