The Elora Arts Council has announced the restoration of the triptych The Letter is now complete – and as of Nov. 17 is hanging back in its rightful home at the Elora Post Office on Geddes Street.
Officials say that when the late Marilyn Koop looked at the big, blank exterior wall of the 1970s post office addition, the concept for The Letter was born.
The Elora office for Canada Post was persuaded by Koop to embrace the vision and commissioned the work.
Since the late 1990s, the colourful three-piece work of art has told the simple story of the meaning and mystery that is part of a letter written, a letter mailed and a letter received.
As with all outdoor art, time and the elements took their toll on the triptych.
Koop’s wish was to restore the triptych to its former glory but she passed away in 2012 before the work could be completed.
Members of the Elora Arts Council (EAC), whose mandates include the promotion and support of art in public places, felt funding the restoration of The Letter was a project that fit perfectly with its philosophy.
In addition to recognizing the importance of the work in the heart of the village, the EAC wanted to recognize Koop, an icon in her own right whose passion for art, music and community never wavered and who always led with quiet determination.
Her husband Howie Southwood endorsed the restoration, and suggested Katelyn Langille would be the best candidate to undertake the work.
Canada Post’s Elora office was in full agreement with the restoration. The project was funded with municipal and county funds that support the EAC’s Art in Public Places Program, among other initiatives.
Langille began the restoration in July and it was completed in October.
“I see Marilyn Koop as the accomplished and amazing artist I strive to be. She turned out to be a great friend, and an artist who lived just down the road,” Langille said.
Of the tedious restoration work she added, “It was an experience to never be duplicated, like I was painting with a friend talking about how we liked to paint as we did so many times before.”
The EAC is a multi-arts, non-profit volunteer organization providing opportunities for artists throughout Centre Wellington.
To learn more go to www.artscouncil.elora.on.ca.
