A group formed to help preserve the dozens of dinosaurs and murals throughout the town and add to the cultural component of Drumheller has formed its own association moving forward.
The Dino Arts Committee formed as a committee of the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce. They have made the decision to go on their own. Chair of the committee John Shoff said it is to allow the group to access better funding. They are now called the Drumheller Dino Arts Association.
“We are actually a non profit society, which allows us to apply for art grants,” said Shoff. “Being affiliated with the Chamber, we cannot apply for any kind of grants or arts funding because technically they are a board of trade.”
He adds they have a positive close working relationship with the Chamber and has representation in their association.
The group has taken its first step to adding to the dinosaurs. The have purchased a fun statue to add to the downtown core. Shoff said it is a playful model of a “brontosaurus” like dinosaur sitting on a bench hold a bouquet of flowers. It will be placed on the corner of Centre Street and 3rd Avenue near Gus’ Restaurant.
“It is going to be really cute. I think it will be a really good draw for people driving around,” said Shoff.
The dinosaur cost in the area of $11,000. All money was raised by the committee over the last year. It is being designed and built by a company called Studio Y Creations out of Calgary. They are planning to have it installed in late spring in time for tourism season.
“We want to do one every year,” said Shoff.
He said come spring, the committee will be busy. There are a few dinosaurs throughout the town that are still in need of a paint job and if any volunteers are interested they can contact Shoff 403-823-2987.
“There are still five or six that need paint, one of them is in Midland (along North Dinosaur Trail). There are another couple that aren’t bad, but could use a little paint,” said Shoff.
They are also planning to move the large dinosaur that was once located near the corner of Highway 9 and 3rd Avenue to a boulevard near Westergard Ford.
“It’s a very visible place for it, and shows we are not just focusing on downtown… I think it will be a pretty popular one.”
They are also working at finding a place to mount a bust of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, donated by the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
For more information on the Drumheller Dino Art Association, or how to get involved, contact Shoff at 403-823-2987.
