She is B.C.'s provincial health officer, an overnight celebrity and a calming voice during the COVID-19 pandemic – and now she's the gatekeeper of the medical supplies at the Lumby Village Art Gallery.
A paper-mache sculpture of Dr. Bonnie Henry is on display inside the front door of the North Okanagan gallery, which was created by Lumby artist Linda Kuraoka.
She is positioned next to the supply of hand sanitizer and masks that are required for entry into the building, which is the most fitting spot for her.
"She is the perfect person to have by the health and safety items," says Jennifer Greenwood, program coordinator for the Monashee Arts Council.
"She's the welcome committee by making sure people use the supplies properly and acts as a reminder to keep your distance in the building."
The sculpture of Dr. Henry is currently on sale for $100, and the sales are open to any member of the public.
This sculpture is currently the only one of its kind, so if you're interested, time is of the essence.
"We fully expect people to make the trip just to see Bonnie," says Greenwood.
"She was a bit of surprise, we didn't know what our artists were working on."
Kuraoka cites Dr. Henry's even-keel demeanour and strong leadership as the inspiration for the creation of this sculpture.
"She is calm and firm in her encouragement to flatten the curve in our province," says Kuraoka. "She is working tirelessly to keep us healthy and safe."
This piece is one of the many items on display at the Lumby art gallery as part of its pandemic art exhibition. The vast majority of the artists being showcased are from BC, including many from the Okanagan. The 'Beyond the Mask' exhibition will be taking place from now until Aug. 29.
The show is free, with some of the pieces, including Dr. Henry, available for purchase.
The gallery has a mandatory mask protocol, with a five-person guest limit.
