Friday, November 30, 2012

The Totem Pole Is Up and Ready For You To Visit!!!

It's official, the Totem Pole is up and ready for the public to see.  Yesterday was the first official day that the public could visit the Chief's Crest Pole in its new location at the Benaki museum.
The day started with a visit from a delegation from Simon Fraser University, representatives from the Benaki museum, as well representatives from the Canadian Embassy.  All of these people, as well as a few that couldn't make it, worked hard to arrange, and fund this entire project.  It was nice that they could come and see the fruits of their labor.
After a few words everybody got a close up look at the Totem Pole.
Make sure to stop by the Benaki museum (at 138 Pireos Street) yourself and visit the Chief's Crest Pole.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

The Move Downstairs at The Benaki Museum

A new base has been designed for the Totem Pole, and the paint/consolidation work is all dry.  This means that the Totem Pole is ready to be moved to the ground floor of the Benaki museum for display, standing upright, as it was meant to be seen.  Once again our expert team of movers wraps up the Chiefs Crest Pole preparing it for the move.
As with moving it upstairs, everything is done slowly and carefully.
Once in the area when it will be displayed, the Totem Pole is carefully positioned and lifted to its resting place.  This was the moment that everybody was nervous and where the movers worked extra carefully.
But everything went off without a hitch, and after a few adjustments to be sure that the Totem Pole was placed in the best possible spot, the protective wrapper was removed.
Now the Chief's Crest Pole awaits its grand showing, this Thursday when the Benaki museum open's its doors.  If you'd like to come visit the Totem Pole, this Thursday, or any day, it will remain on display for a while.  You can click here for more information about the museum and its hours.

Friday, November 2, 2012

The Totem Pole Inspires

Βασιλική Γεροκώστα an artist who had visited the Totem Pole last week, sent us some wonderful coloured art pieces inspired by the Chief's Crest Pole.
They look fantastic and she got the colour and design details down very well.  You can check out more of her artwork on her website here.  If you have a photo or drawing of the Totem Pole that you'd like to share upload it to our Facebook page, or send us a message.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Andrew Todd's Final Touches

 Yesterday was the last day that Andrew was working on the Totem Pole.  He had a few finishing touches and he was going to be done.
 At this almost finished state the Totem Pole looks great.  The colours are vibrant and the Raven, Chief, Frog and Whale are looking fantastic.
The last part to finish is the Whale, since it was the most damaged, but I'm really surprised at how good it looks even at this stage. Andrew did a great job with the Totem Pole, and we wish him a safe journey home back to Canada.  Hopefully he'll be able to return soon to see the Totem Pole standing once again.