Enterprise to consider trapper sculpture
Idea proposed once again by artist Dolphus Cadieux
Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
ENTERPRISE
In a couple of years from now, travellers on Highway 1 may be welcomed to stop at Enterprise and have their pictures taken by a massive sculpture of a trapper.
In August of 2008, Enterprise artist Dolphus Cadieux, left, discussed his partially-completed sculpture of a trapper with then-premier Floyd Roland. - NNSL file photo
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And if those travellers want to spend some money in the community, that would also be welcomed.
That is, in essence, an idea to be considered by the Hamlet of Enterprise.
The three-metre-tall sculpture - which is uniquely made of old leg-hold traps - was partially completed years ago by Enterprise artist Dolphus Cadieux.
On July 6, hamlet council discussed a proposal submitted by Winnie Cadieux, an agent for the artist who is her brother-in-law.
"Dolphus definitely wants to get this thing put somewhere," she told council. "And if not in Enterprise, as an artist he would like to see it wherever it could go, and we have had interest from some other places. I would like to see it in Enterprise."
Council passed a motion to direct hamlet administration to work with Winnie Cadieux to research potential sources of funding for the project, to recommend options for a location in Enterprise, and to estimate the potential capital, operating and maintenance costs.
The hamlet would buy the sculpture if it decides to proceed with the project.
Deputy Mayor Craig McMaster called the idea a tremendous opportunity for the community.
"I would be thoroughly disappointed if it didn't go in Enterprise," he said.
McMaster believes the sculpture could become an iconic place where people stop and take photos, like the 60th Parallel sign at the NWT/Alberta border.
Coun. John Leskiw III said he favours supporting local artists and likes the idea of the sculpture, but he wants to ensure it would bring money into the community.
"This could have potential to bring a lot in," he noted. "I just don't want to end up seeing it be approved and maybe put somewhere where there's nothing for two miles in any direction."
Winnie Cadieux said the locations currently being considered are right in the community.
She said the goal is to have the project completed - the sculpture and its installation - by May of 2017 and unveiled the following month.
Winnie Cadieux explained the sculpture will require an enclosure to protect it from the elements, while at the same time allowing people to see it and take pictures.
This is not the first time the idea has been floated in Enterprise.
For example, the topic arose in 2008 at a public meeting with then-premier Floyd Roland, who was taken to see the statue and meet Dolphus Cadieux.
The traps that make up the sculpture were obtained from what was then called the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, which was doing a trap exchange program.
The artist disassembled and sandblasted the traps before using them in the sculpture.
Cadieux is a well-known artist who works in sculpting, painting, printmaking and mosaics.
Notably, he was one of three artists who designed the mace for the NWT Legislative Assembly.
