Port Hope Mayor Bob Sanderson got his first chance to look at the metal art sculpture on the west beach and quickly got into the spirit.
“It totally fits Port Hope,” exclaims Sanderson about the metal sculpture Reactor.
Sanderson, Port Hope resident Miranda Lukaniuk-Lipovsek and metal artist Ryan Longo quickly struck a “Reactor pose” for Today’s Northumberland.
“We’re very art based, culture based and Reactor brings people together wherever it goes.”
Sanderson said particularly during the election people need to understand, “we are one community, we’re together and we resolve all issues eventually.”
The artwork was the creation of metal sculpture artist Ryan Longo who is working on the sound for the production Largo (IT movie).
Port Hope resident Miranda Lukaniuk-Lipovsek who is also working with the film met with Sanderson who jumped on-board helping expedite the process to install Reactor.
“The administration, Parks and Recreation group all rallied around. It was on a Thursday afternoon Miranda brought up the idea and I said, “let’s make it happen.”
A group of friends installed the artwork on September 11, 2018.
“I think it’s wonderful.”
“It’s meant to move around and to bring people together,” said Sanderson.
Longo said the home for Reactor is at his studio The Apocalypse Metal Works in Etobicoke.
The sculpture has been to many events in Canada and the United States including the Distillery district, Ontario Place, a movie, many festivals including Solstice and Harvest, playgrounds, many community events and was unveiled at the Burning Man (Nevada) in 2016.
“Where it goes to after this – who knows?
Although Lukaniuk-Lipovsek and Longo are working on the film, Reactor and the installation has nothing to do with the film.
The sculpture will be taken down on approximately October 25.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
