Centennial Monument to the Province of Alberta
In 2005 the Province of Alberta celebrated its 100th anniversary. For this occasion the National Congress of Italian Canadians (NCIC) Edmonton District on behalf of the Italian community of Alberta decided to donate a monument to the Province. This monument would also immortalize the accomplishments of the Italian community in this Province over the last 100 years. As a result of a national competition over 21 artists presented their proposals from all over the Country. A Selection Committee of 8 people composed of 5 members of the Board of directors: Massimo Verdicchio, Marisa Trinca, Salvatore Amelio, Jennifer DeStefanis-Dimas and Paola DiToppa along with Caterina Edwards, the Consul of Italy, Arnaldo Minuti, and Tony Luppino. The terms of reference for the points to be evaluated by the committee members where prepared by Antonella Cortese in cooperation with the writer. It was left up to the elected Board of Directors of the NCIC-Edmonton to make the final decision as to the best proposal presented. Giuseppe Albi, an Edmonton artist, was the successful artist.
In describing his project Giuseppe Albi stated “This monument will mark the centennial of the Province of Alberta, our chosen home. My hope is that it will invite people to reflect on their lives and think about something Italian that they have adopted or experienced.”
The monument is based on a variation of the obelisk, a sculptural form assimilated by the Romans centuries ago. It was used to mark an event of special significance. The sculpture consists of a black granite podium that supports a tapered red granite column with an oversize bronze sundial on the top. The overall height is over 4 meters. Objects of historical significance will be cast in bronze and arranged around the base of the cylinder. An appropriate inscription in Italian, English and French will be engraved on the column at eye level. The crown will have lights imbedded on the underside that will illuminate the column and artifacts. The community contributed by donating tools and artifacts that were cast in bronze.
The monument is positioned prominently on the north side of the Alberta Legislative Building near 109 Street. It was inaugurated in the fall of 2007.
Read the Edmonton Journal Article
