If you're passing by Rey Sargent Park on Lonsdale Avenue, look up to spot several Willow Portals hanging in the trees. This community-created art project was led by local artists, Dolores Altin and Elvira Monteforte, with the support of NVRC and the City of North Vancouver parks department. More than 80 community members contributed over 180 hours of hands-on willow weaving to help complete the collaborative project.
These intricate pieces were created with willow that was locally grown on Grand Boulevard, and combined with other natural materials such as dogwood, cane, jute and even ivy vines! All these elements come together to show off the colours of North Vancouver and blend in seamlessly amongst the trees. “It takes a lot of time and effort to get enough material on the individual pieces so that they are visible when they’re installed,” Dolores explains. “But it’s so worth it when you see them displayed in the park.”
The Portals suggest a framed viewpoint or perspective into our world. “Depending on where you view each element of the piece, it brings certain elements into focus,” adds Dolores. This interpretation can alter one’s viewing experience and dynamically change the piece’s look based on time of day and angle of viewing.
Community members came together to create the pieces during workshops in March and April, and each time built upon the work of those who attended previously. The result is a truly collaborative art piece.
"Willow weaving is a labour of love since we don’t know which way the designs will go once they are started,” reflects Dolores. “I think that participants should be very proud of their accomplishment.”
Take a look at some of Dolores and Elvira’s previous projects:
To learn more about Dolores, Elvira and their vibrant community art projects, visit loandbeholdart.com.
