St . Catharines Unveils Artist & Statue Concept for Large Neil Peart Memorial An artist has been selected to develop a public work of art in honour of late Rush drummer Neil Peart at Lakeside Park in St . Catharines , ON .
The City of St . Catharines ’ Neil Peart Commemorative Task Force has selected artist Morgan MacDonald of The Newfoundland Bronze Foundry ( Morgan Sculpture Inc .) to create the memorial in Peart ’ s honour alongside the Neil Peart Pavilion in Lakeside Park – a place that inspired the lyrics to the famous Rush single of the same name . The Newfoundland Bronze Foundry was selected as the highest-ranked proponent by an evaluation committee after a competitive process .
The concept from the creative team includes two larger-than-life-sized bronze sculptures of Neil Peart . The sculptures will be connected by a pathway offering experiential and interpretive features providing insight into Peart ’ s personal and professional legacies , including his time with Rush .
One sculpture , standing about 12-ft . tall , will feature Peart as a young artist and poet circa the 1970s , holding a book and drumsticks , surrounded by sculptural elements bridging his entry to the band . The second will feature Peart in his later years , holding a small piece of his drum kit and offering his drumsticks to visitors .
The sculptures will be surrounded by elements representative of his life as a poet , novelist , and lyricist . Sabian Cymbals will provide a few of Peart ’ s old and damaged cymbals to be melted down and incorporated into the monument ’ s features . The pathway connecting the sculptures will amplify the visitor experience with seating areas for reflection , interactions with light and sound , supporting landscape features , and a place to recognize those contributing to the legacy project .
The selection of the design and artist , chosen from a shortlist of seven recommended artists through the City ’ s procurement policy , is another milestone in the process – and will help build momentum for the fundraising campaign .
The project and its timelines are contingent on the task force raising the $ 1 million fundraising goal established for the project . Donations of any size can be made towards the memorial project online at
www . stcatharines . ca / neilpeart . The sooner the task force can achieve its fundraising objectives through the generosity of Peart ’ s fans , the sooner the community and his fans will be able to see the results .
CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE 13