DRYDEN – The two grand cottonwood trees in Cooper Park (Paawidigong) that were cut down in 2018 will return in the coming years reincarnated as works of art by artist Darcy Birnie. “It’s a big honour to have my art put up and displayed,” Birnie said, adding it’s especially nice to see it in his own hometown. In 2024, a call for expressions of interest went out to the community that allowed artists to submit ideas. The Working Circle committee of Dryden chose an artist, and council approved that local carver Birnie would take on the task. It is still undecided where exactly in the park the art pieces will be mounted.