From a red spider and giant wine bottle made out of horseshoes to kissing salmon, there are eight new public sculptures to see this long weekend if you are walking along Okanagan Lake, downtown by City Hall and Front Street.
The City’s new set of public sculptures are being installed Thursday and Friday. To celebrate, an opening ceremony including Artist Talk and Forum will be held at the Penticton Art Gallery on Saturday, May 20 in the Tea Room from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
“The Artist Talk and Forum features this year’s sculpture artists and explores the role of public art in defining and enhancing public spaces,” said Kelsey Johnson, manager of recreation, arts & culture. “We’re looking forward to hearing from these talented artists.”
The Public Sculpture Exhibition program was created in 2016 and is a year-long outdoor exhibit of original sculptures.
“Art has the power to transform spaces, inspire creativity and foster a sense of community. They serve as landmarks, gathering points and inspiration for residents and visitors alike,” said Mayor Julius Bloomfield. “I encourage everyone to take the time to explore these new installations and celebrate the power of art to bring people together.”
Pearl the Pandemic Salmon by Kaleden artist Jean E Ouellon won People’s Choice from last year’s set of public art. The horseshoe sculpture was in the sand beside the Lakeshore Drive promenade.
A virtual walking app as well as bios and additional background on the artists are available on www.penticton.ca/publicart.
Eight artists were selected to display their works in the 2023 Penticton Public Sculpture Exhibit, which will be on display until the end of April 2024. A jury made up of members of the City’s Arts Creative and Cultural Innovations Committee and community representatives reviewed submissions and chose the following artists and sculptures:
David Hunwick (Victoria, BC) “The Kiss”
William Frymire (Kamloops, BC) “Natural Transitions”
Serge Mozhnevsky (Coquitlam, BC) “Wish to Fly”
Ron Simmer (Vancouver, BC) “GIGASPIDER”
Peter Vogelaar (Winlaw, BC) “Metamorphosis”
Karl Mattson (Rolla, BC) “Intersect”
Jean E. Ouellon (Kaledon, BC) “1760”
Kyle Thornley (Revelstoke, BC) “Ancient Wisdoms”
READ MORE: Kaleden artist’s horseshoe salmon sculpture wins People’s Choice award
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