There will be a lot to see at Nanaimo parks this year besides the scenery.
City council approved 11 proposals as part of the City of Nanaimo’s 2018 temporary outdoor public art program.
The pieces will be installed in May at various locations, mostly at Maffeo Sutton Park.
“In terms of budget, this is a relatively small project, but it’s one we think that the community enjoys and it’s one that staff enjoys,” said Dale Lindsay, city director of community development.
Six of the projects qualify for $4,000 honorariums and five qualify for $1,000 honorariums.
The city’s selections include: Everything Happens so Much by Ben Sopow; Windows to Nanaimo, Jessica Kang; Big Bird, Ronald Simmer; Owl Under the Oaks, Scott Gillies; Bald Eagle, Sheldon Murphy; Taking Flight, Angelos Glaros; Driftwood Nests, Deryk and Samual Houston; Forest Cloak, Maggie Wouterloot; Giant Pacific Octopus, Laura and Michael Timmermans; The Jester, Marc Walter; and Rock Dragon, Heather Wall.
Following a call for submissions in September, the city received 28 proposals from 17 different artists or teams.
Coun. Ian Thorpe said he commended the work of the selection panel.
“This is a really fun program that we offer and I think the citizens do enjoy it…” he said. “I look forward to seeing these new ones.”
Council unanimously approved the 11 recommended selections.
“I can hardly wait to see the Rock Dragon up close,” said Mayor Bill McKay.
editor@nanaimobulletin.com
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