DRYDEN – The two grand cottonwood trees in Cooper Park (Paawidigong) that were cut down in 2018 will return in the coming years reincarnated as works of art by artist Darcy Birnie.
“It’s a big honour to have my art put up and displayed,” Birnie said, adding it’s especially nice to see it in his own hometown.
Nearly a decade ago, the trees’ large, overhanging branches were cut off when they began to pose a safety risk due to rotting and the age of the trees.
“Because of the length of time that the trees had been in the area and just how beautiful they were, it was really, deeply felt by the community,” said museum and heritage coordinator for the Dryden and District Museum, Michelle Walter.
“The city recognized that and wanted to use what remained as an opportunity to reflect and reconnect in that area,” she added.
In 2024, a call for expressions of interest went out to the community that allowed artists to submit ideas. The Working Circle committee of Dryden chose an artist, and council approved that local carver Birnie would take on the task.
Walter explained that Cooper Park has been a gathering place for Indigenous communities for centuries, which is why the first tree will be dedicated to representing that connection.
“In the tree will be a bison, a beaver, a sasquatch, an eagle, a wolf, a bear, and a turtle,” said Birnie, who also plans to include a blessing bowl within the carving that can actually be used.
Both tree trunks have been removed and brought to Birnie to be treated. It is still undecided where exactly in the park the art pieces will be mounted.
While the second tree’s carving won’t begin until next year, Walter said that it will be representative of community development and the area as a whole.
“I’ve still got a lot of work to do, but I’m getting there,” Birnie said, adding that it’s taking longer than expected because he has already hit about 30 nails within the trunk since he began carving a month ago.
Because of the sheer size of the trunks, they will need a strong mounting system to effectively support the weight and secure them in place. Although it remains undecided where their exact location will be, the city is asking for donations towards the total of $15,000 needed for the mounting and maintenance of the art pieces.
Donations can be made online or in-person at the museum or city hall.
Birnie said that he’d “like to see Dryden and/or the surrounding area come together and maybe just put a little bit of money together for this art project.”
“It does require a little bit of care and maintenance on it every year,” he said.
Walter added that what was a gathering space for many years continues to be one today.
“It’ll provide a space where people can continue to reflect on who we are as a community, and for those coming in from out of town, they can recognize the symbols that make us up to be who we are,” said Walter.
More information about the project can be found on the city’s website.
