You + Me sculpture to become landmark
by Sean Frame
A local artist is creating a landmark to represent Windsor’s heritage.
Laura Shintani, 42, has been working on Windsor’s You + Me project since March, 2013. The
project was created by the International Relations Committee which includes members
of city council and citizens who support the enhancement of Windsor’s international image.
Two seven-foot chairs have been created and are based on Windsor and the city’s stories and
history. The design of the chairs includes wax fingerprints of residents representing the granite
cobblestone that formerly paved Windsor’s streets.
The chairs will be coated in bronze and put on display in Jackson Park. The project has a large
team who work on the realization of sculptures. The project was initially given the go-ahead in early
March and now has a large team working toward seeing the sculpture installed.
“The chairs themselves are representative of the ability to communicate and make
conversation,” said Shintani. “So I wanted to really emphasize inclusivity of the community.”
The price to coat the chairs in bronze will be approximately $60,200 each. Though bronze is expensive it is ideal for being on display outside for a long period of time, and You+Me will be accepting donations
to help with the cost. People can visit the Art Gallery of Windsor and get their fingerprints pressed in
wax and along with their initials it will become part of the sculpture.
“When you stick your thumb into this little piece of wax and you put your thumbprint and your
initials and you get it added to the chairs you become part of something larger,”said Shintani “Therefore
it is a reinforcement of the importance of sharing and community.”
Former corporal Adam Crumb, 22, has just returned from Afghanistan and felt this would help
him get back in touch with the community.
“I did a tour and a half in Afghanistan, “said Crumb. “I felt like this was a way to get back in
touch and make connections.”
The two chairs are expected to be finished and on display shortly after the summer of 2014.