Long ago, when money and resources were scarce, B.C. residents often looked at what they had and fixed it up or reused it for another purpose.
Clothing, furniture and equipment weren’t tossed away like today and replaced with something brighter and shinier; rather, they were repaired and given a longer life.
With that concept in mind, members of the Port Moody Heritage Society called on artists this spring to submit entries for its show at the Port Moody Arts Centre (PMAC), an “up-cycling” exhibit to mark the society’s 50 years.
The artists had free rein, said the museum’s executive director, Jim Millar: They were allowed to use any material they wanted — as long as it wasn’t new — and create whatever form or functionality they desired, he told The Tri-City News.
“We were looking for innovative things,” Millar said, “the idea of taking an older item and preserving it or reusing it so it’s got a second, or even third, chance.”
In June, a jury chose 11 artists, whose work will be unveiled tomorrow (Thursday) at a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. at PMAC (2425 St. Johns St.). Admission is free.
There’s not necessarily a local connection with the artwork, Millar said, but the pieces demonstrate the four Rs for sustainability: reduce, reuse, recycle, repair.
Besides the exhibit, which runs until Sept. 19, the society has also recognized its half-century with photos in the city calendar and by displaying 50 artifacts at the Port Moody Station Museum, located on Murray Street in Port Moody’s 1908 CP Rail station.
There has been a digital display at city hall and a potluck, where honorary lifetime memberships were given to Irene Reid, Gerrit DeWall and Robert Simons.
Next month, the society will have another 50th bash when it hosts the Ioco Ghost Town Day Fest, Sept. 22 from noon to 4 p.m. at Ioco Road and 1st Avenue.
