This page was last updated: September 7, 2009
The Real "Flash" - Great Horned Owl
"A Tribute to Flash"
First GHO Sculpture
Chestnut Brown Alabaster
"Flash" The Guardian Spirit - 2nd GHO Sculpture of Flash
"Building a Sustainable Future Contest"
The Cement Association of Canada hired me as their
"Resident Environmental Sculptor for 2006 and 2007".
This contest consisted of students from Trent University (Aboriginal Environmental Studies), York Region District School Board and Seneca College - Centre for the Built Environment. Students competed for the most sustainable ideas. I sculpted numerous student awards, VIP and speaker gifts. The first year the theme was the spirit bears and the second the theme was "Durability and Sustainability" featuring turtles.
"Seneca Sustainability Partnership" - ESTONIA & UK 2006
I was commissioned by Seneca College - Centre for the Built Environment to sculpt two sculptures representing Canada. Two Sculptures were of our Canadian (only) Spirit Bear and 4 were chickadees. One of the larger sculptures went to the Tallin University in Tallin, Estonia. One of the chickadees was presented to the Prince Charles Trust in England.
The Canadian McMichael Art Gallery
Kleinburg, Ontario, Canada
I have been an Instructor at the "Canadian McMichael Art Gallery for pendants as well as sculptures. I have also been a featured "Artist in Residence" and was a featured artist at the McMichael 40th Anniversary
The Inspiration behind my two sculptures of "Flash"
The "Real" Great Horned Owl
Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation
"Flash" was a Great Horned Owl who came through the doors of the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation for treatment after having flown through an electrical substation in Calgary, Alberta. She took 8000 volts of electricity and suffered massive burns to her feathers and tissue. Through the thoughtful and caring treatment of both AIWC and the Vetrinarian, as well as her own tenacity to survive, she recovered except for enduring wing injury which did not allow her to be released back to the wild. In the ensuing years, "Flash", went on to foster many orphaned owlets who themselves were released back into the wild. "Flash", was a symbol for AIWC due to her determination to survive and her selfless attitude which still serves as an inspiration for all who work and volunteer with AIWC. It is due to this steadfast spirit that these sculptures entitled "A Tribute to Flash" and "Flash the Guardian Spirit" were created."
Story by Dennis Hanna - Volunteer - AIWC
My colleague Stone Sculptor Walt Rickli who helped me rehab my stone Flash - as it ended up with a wing injury believe it or not - just like the true story! Shown with Irmgard and Reinhold Illdebrands (Cabinet Maker) who made the shipping crate for the first Flash.
"Flash" Handpainted
D.Hanna's Leather Jacket
Jacket
The Building a Sustainable Future Contest was held at Earth Rangers with Educational Ambassador Skunk
Discussing Spirit Bears with past City of Vaughan Mayor Michael DiBiase
Ernie Parsons (Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Community & Social Services) presents US Consolate Jeffrey Tunis wtih spirit bear sculpture
Discussing the spirit bear Guest Speaker Awards, Most Sustainable Award Sculptures and judges gifts of spirit bear soapstone sculptures with Tina Simoot, Claire Media
D. Simon Jackson (Founder of Spirit Bear Youth Coalition) & Guest Speaker of his "Power of One" Inspirational Presentation
Then Minister of Transportation Donna Cansfield, Earth Rangers, Winner with spirit bear sculpture and Simon Jackson
Winners - Trent University - Aboriginal Environmental Studies Professor - Dan Longboat
Winners - York Region District School Board with Spirit Bear Sculpture 1st Place Winner
L-R - Minister of Transportation Donna Cansfield, Earth Rangers, First Place Winning Team from Trent University with Simon Jackson, Spirit Bear Youth Coalition Founder
The Founder and Co-ordinator of the Building a Sustainable Future Contest, Sally Moore
John Atkinson (Ocean Alliance) speaking with Earth Rangers Educator about their Turkey Vulture
This Spirit Bear Sculpture was gifted to Tallinn University for their Sustainability Partnership with Senica College - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The Chickadees were all given meaningful names and flew over with the Seneca College European Tour Team to be given as Canadian Gifts of Art & Sustainability. One of these was gifted to the "Prince's Trust"
Head, Seneca College - Centre for the Built Environment Bill Humber presents the Tallinn Sculpture!
Showing carving process to Glenn MacMillan (Toronto Region Conservation Authority) & Ashwina (Cement Association of Canada)
Dawna Robertson
Wildlife Conservation Soapstone Sculptor/
Carver & Artist
Photo Event Gallery
