Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #08-085
April 11, 2008
Recovery of Stolen Carving Gives Reason to Celebrate
WHITEHORSE - The Yukon government is very pleased the artwork entitled Yukon Seasons has been recovered by the RCMP, Tourism and Culture Minister Elaine Taylor announced today.
The Shane Wilson carving was originally stolen from the Canada Winter Games Centre Sept. 16, 2007. The piece belongs to the Yukon government's Permanent Art Collection and was a very popular artefact displayed for public viewing.
"On behalf of the Yukon government, I thank the individual who returned the carving," Taylor said. "It is important that this piece regain its rightful place within the Yukon Permanent Art Collection which holds many important artworks significant to Yukon's cultural legacy."
When the piece was stolen, one tine was broken from the carving and left at the Canada Winter Games Centre. Now the main piece has been recovered and there appears to be no further damage. The Department of Tourism and Culture will examine the carving and determine options for restoration.
"The community would be thrilled to see Shane Wilson's carving back on display at the Canada Games Centre," City of Whitehorse Parks and Recreation Manager Linda Rapp said. "The facility users appreciate and feel a real sense of ownership of the artwork in the building."
Artist Shane Wilson is also delighted with the recovery.
"I believe public awareness has helped immensely with the recovery of Yukon Seasons," Wilson said. "I would like to acknowledge and thank the media, the Department of Tourism and Culture, the RCMP, and especially the public for its strong support."
The artefact is a full moose skull and horns intricately carved with images of Yukon wildlife and seasonal changes. It was acquired by the Friends of the Gallery for the Yukon Permanent Art Collection in 2006.
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| Contact: | |
| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications (867) 633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca | Karen Keeley Communications, Tourism and Culture (867) 667-8304 karen.keeley@gov.yk.ca |