A piece of locally made art is now on permanent display at the municipal office in Casselman.
At the July 7 council meeting, the municipality accepted the donation of a sculpture entitled Hope from local sculptor Sylvain Séguin.
Séguin transforms deadwood into expressive works of art, revealing the hidden stories within each piece. The sculpture donated to the Municipality was created from a tree that had once been used as a fence post and had become wrapped in barbed wire. As the tree continued to grow, the wire became embedded deep within its trunk.
“Such is life,” said the artist. “In this dead tree, I saw an arm and a hand reaching upward in search of freedom, despite the wire holding it back.”
He explained that the sculpture symbolizes hope, resilience, and perseverance.
“We must always hold on to the hope of breaking free from our chains. Like the tree, human beings can continue reaching upward toward a better version of themselves. This piece speaks to resilience, survival, and the belief that even in the darkest circumstances, the desire for freedom never disappears. Through this donation, I hope to inspire the Municipality to keep striving higher and overcoming obstacles.”
Councillor Francine Leblanc thanked Mr. Séguin for his generosity and artistic contribution.
“We are fortunate to have talented artists like Mr. Séguin. I would like to congratulate and thank him for this remarkable work. His sculpture has found a permanent home where it will be preserved and appreciated by residents and visitors for years to come.”
Mayor Geneviève Lajoie presented Mr. Séguin with a certificate of recognition in appreciation of his generous donation to the Municipality.
The art piece is housed in Council Chambers, at 1 Industriel in Casselman.
To find out more about the artist Sylain Séguin please see https://www.ssoriginalwood.com.
Submitted photos
