Liverpool, NS – A vibrant and meaningful art installation has been unveiled at the Visitor Information Centre in Liverpool, NS, showcasing the themes of inclusivity and diversity. The installation, consisting of a series of rainbow-colored stained glass panels, was designed and created by Scot Slessor of SAS Glass, in response to a request for proposals issued by the Diversity and Inclusion Action Team (DIAT) for the Region of Queens Municipality.

The installation aims to highlight the importance of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in communities throughout Queens County. Slessor’s design concept features a multi-piece series of stained glass panels, which were skillfully cut, assembled, and installed with a gentle wave-like curve effect. The panels were painted and designed by over a dozen students and two teachers from Liverpool Regional High School, who were trained by SAS Glass to create images and text that promote inclusive themes.

Theresa Farrell and Sophos Slessor also played instrumental roles in assisting Scot Slessor with the painting and assembly of the panels, further enhancing the collaborative nature of the project.

The Visitor Information Centre was selected as the site for this inspiring art display due to its central location on the heavily traveled Henry Hensey Drive, situated along Liverpool’s waterfront. The building also boasts another welcoming feature — the risers of its front stairs were painted to resemble the Progress Pride flag in 2022. Unfortunately, they were vandalized in January 2023 but have since been repainted with the vivid, inclusive, and welcoming colors. This act of vandalism served as an inspiration for Scot Slessor’s design submission, reinforcing the message that individuals should be able to live without fear of harassment and that everyone should feel safe, welcome, and included in Queens County.

The DIAT plans to unveil more public art installations in the coming weeks and months, each celebrating the diversity of Queens County. The proposals for these installations were evaluated by the DIAT based on several criteria, including visibility, clarity of message, local talent, and maintenance needs. The highest-scoring submissions were recommended for approval to the Chief Administrative Officer.