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.