Beaverbrook Art Gallery expansion meeting sees low turnout

Officials at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton say a low turnout Monday night at a public meetingabout the proposed expansionis a sign of support for the project.

Only about 10 people turned out to hear about the plans to take over approximately300 square metres of green space near the St. John River.

Gallery director Terry Graffsays pedestrians and cyclists will have to detour from the riverfront walking trail to the sidewalk in front of the gallery during the two years of construction, which could begin next month.

A few parking spaces on the streetmay also be lost.

But Graffcontendspublic use of the space will be enhanced in the long term.

"Those 300-square metres won't have any of the building itself on it," he said. "In fact, it will be converted into an outdoor sculpture courtyard that will be integrated with the green, so the community will still have full public access to that space."

Graff says another sign of community support for the projectis that 65 per cent of the money raised to dateis from the private sector.

All three levels of government are also expected to contribute.

The proposed 14,000 square foot expansion and renovationswill include new gallery spaces, a terrace, an artist-in-residence studio, as well as a multipurpose theatre for film showings or children's activities.

The new structure will be made largely with Dorchester stone, in keeping with the neighbouring legislature. The stone will be "floating" above a level of glass, meant to open the public spaces to the environment and engage passersby.

The expansion will allow for greater rental opportunities, better ability to accommodate large travelling exhibits, improved accessibility and increased revenue, officials have said.

It will also restore the gallery's connection to the river, said Graff.The view ofthe river was blocked off during a previous expansion project.