The Saskatchewan Arts Board announced the arrival of the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Commissions Project Maquette Tour in Weyburn. The maquette tour is being hosted by the Weyburn Arts Council and will be on display at the Allie Griffin Art Gallery, in the basement of the Weyburn Public Library, until Wednesday, Nov. 28.

Recently Saskatchewan people celebrated "100 years of heART." As a way of highlighting the strengths and stories of our people and the important contributions of artists, Saskatchewan Centennial 2005, in partnership with the Saskatchewan Arts Board, designed the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Commissions Project.

While creating a lasting legacy for the people of Saskatchewan, this project also recognizes the significant role that artists continue to play in communities across Saskatchewan. In 2005, the four gateway communities of La Ronge, Yorkton, Estevan and Lloydminster were approached to host large, permanent, outdoor works of art.

From the many proposals received from artists from across the province, four pieces were selected by a peer jury process to represent the centennial spirit of Saskatchewan and the unique character of each of the four communities. The artists selected to design and complete the commissions were Chris St. Amand for La Ronge, Lionel Peyachew for Yorkton, Jefferson Little for Estevan and Douglas Bentham for Lloydminster.

The maquettes on tour are miniature versions of the large-scale art works. They will remain in the Allie Griffin Gallery throughout the month of November, so that all residents get a chance to see the artwork.