It seems like the Humboldt & District Gallery has racked up another award, as it is now the proud recipient of one of three Architectural Heritage Awards, which is bestowed by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.
The Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan sponsors these awards in order to recognize projects that support “meaningful conservation of Saskatchewan’s built heritage.” The gallery in Humboldt was chosen for its rehabilitation of the old Merchants Bank.
“It’s always nice to see a community project celebrated,” said Jennifer Hoesgen, director of the gallery. “It’s good for us to celebrate all the volunteer effort that went into building the gallery.”
Already it’s been a year and a half since the gallery first opened. Since then, they’ve collected a Saskatchewan Municipal award as well as recognition at the last SUMA convention. They’ve held a number of events and hosted more than a few artist exhibits in the meantime, such as Surreal Saskatchewan and the recent Repetition exhibit.
Coupled with their archeological dig that happens every year at the Old Humboldt site, they’ve exhibited a dedication to conservation as well as artistic endeavours.
According to Hoesgen, they’ve only just started to build the gallery’s reputation and people’s awareness of it. As it continues to grow, she said they’ll eventually start looking into developing an art collection for the city. Until then, awards such as this one are definitely beneficial.
“(This award) validates the sleepless nights spent worrying about building a facility that the community would love and use,” said Hoesgen. “I think any time you receive recognition at a provincial level, it certainly brings people’s attention to the City of Humboldt and brings artists to share their work at the gallery.”
The only question left to be asked is whether the gallery and museum staff members have any plans to tackle any new conservation/restoration projects. Despite the obvious payoffs, restoration of any kind is always a massive undertaking that relies on many people to help out.
“I believe that finding contemporary uses for historical buildings is important for building a creative city, but it takes a committed volunteer effort,” said Hoesgen.
Hoesgen said she envisions a future where the gallery can be a safe place for people to hang out and explore any artistic enterprises.
“I would want the gallery to be a place where people can come at any time, create art and have the capacity to express creativity,” she said. “That’s what makes cities unique and exciting: public art and social spaces.”
The province also seems to be supporting these heritage conservation efforts. They’ve recently announced an investment of $250,000 in 32 heritage conservations projects across the province through the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation. One of these projects includes the Melfort Post Office.
Aside from that, the foundation also provides a Built Heritage grant, a one-time grant for non-designated commercial heritage property, and an on-site archaeology or paleontology research grant.
“History is an irreplaceable thing and we must do all we can to preserve it,” said Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty in a news release. “The grants offered through the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation allow people to conserve the historic sites and buildings which have helped shape our province into the wonderful place it is today.”
