KERROBERT — To add to the excitement of the time capsule reveal on June 23, the Kerrobert Courthouse Restoration Society included the unveiling of a now permanent sculpture on the grounds of the courthouse.
Wes Leonard, artist, is a former resident of Kerrobert, son of Freeda and Barney Leonard, and is a retired power engineer from the Glenrose Hospital in Edmonton. He is a journeyman machinist and self-taught welder.
Leonard has been working with metal for 35 years and his art is included in many private collections across the world. He uses a variety of media including welded and stainless steel, cast bronze, cast aluminum and the lost foam casting process. He learned this form of creating metal sculptures from another artist whom he worked with for many years.
Leonard noted on his Facebook page prior to the unveiling that his Uncle Chris’s house is in the background of where the sculpture is located. He acknowledged Kerrobert residents who assisted with the installation of the piece.
The Kerrobert Courtroom Gallery was fortunate to have Leonard share his Saskatchewan debut of his art with the venue in 2018, which turned out to be one of the most popular shows ever hosted.
After the 2018 show a conversation ensued where discussions took place on the possibility of having Leonard contribute to the permanent collection of the Kerrobert Courtroom Gallery. Leonard received the idea with enthusiasm, gallery operators say.
The talks revolved around having a large sculpture specially created for permanent display in the courtyard that would reflect art and culture in the community. The display would reflect the mission statement of the Kerrobert Courtroom Gallery which is: “To provide a permanent year-round exhibition venue that will promote art and culture in our broader community and will encourage art in our youth.”
The Kerrobert Courtoom Gallery and the Kerrobert Courtroom Restoration Society, along with the town of Kerrobert expressed appreciation to Leonard for sharing his time and talent and donating the sculpture for permanent placement in the community for everyone to enjoy for years to come.
The sculpture is entitled “The Pillar” and reflects all the avenues of arts and culture in the community as well as everything that is housed within the 102-year-old Kerrobert Courthouse. After it was unveiled, Leonard showed some of the many plaques on the pillar and the audience at the unveiling were invited to come and take a closeup look.
