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Whisiperring Clie Tiree “Gaasknazo Gete Mitg” Adam Connolly’s latest mas- terpiece was unveiled at Scugog Shores Museum on July 25 with a small, but appreciative crowd in attendance. His latest undertaking, called “Gaasknazo Gete (Whispering Old Tree), is ‘the second piece in Scugog Town- ship for his “Second life For Trees Project”. The first, which he called “The Scout” is located at the corner of Queen and Co- chrane St, Port Perry. ‘vocables’ dialect. Also on hand representing the Mississaugas of Scugog Is- land was Allan Mountford who offered a prayer and smudging and placed tobacco at the base of the tree as an offering. Artist Adam Connolly thanked everyone who attended and explained the sculpture and figures carved into the tree. majestic Sugar Maple, still firmly rooted in the ground at the local museum, begins its Second Life as an eco- sculpture. This creation was _ inspired by the Heritage and Lore of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island website: www.focusonscugog.com First Nation. Gaasknazo Gete Mitg illus- trates the story of Sky woman and includes many symbols central to the natural heritage and ceremony of the local Mis- sissaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. “My intention is to release the spiritual and ecological mes- sage this venerable tree has to tell of our beautiful bio-region,” Mr. Connolly said. Over 200 hours spent with this magnificent tree has result- ed in a sculpture that celebrates, spirit, resilience, joy and the inter-connectivity of creation. Mr. Connolly worked with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation who spon- sored the project. Mr. Connolly has a vision of providing more historical trees with a second life as they be come available. “Second Life For Trees holds the promise of creating rather than destroying,” the artist ex- plains. “Still firmly rooted in the past, the tree will be trans- formed into a sculpture, which will represent the natural cul- tural and ethnic heritage of the community, or the spirit of the charitable organization which will benefit from the art piece. By J. Peter Hvidsten af § cli ay Gaui st 11 Starting at 7:00 p.m an Drummers eC U $12 Adults + $10 Kids 12 & under 2 & under free Northwood Buffe 2192 Cookson Lar & Exotic Seagrave Animal Ranch * 905-985-2738 151 Queen Street, Port Perry 905-982-0200 Focus - AuGusT 2007 17