Artwork chosen for ‘Connecting Squamish Neighbourhoods’ public art project

The District of Squamish Public Art Select Committee is pleased to announce three permanent art installations by Squamish-based artist Christina Nick. A series of steel salmon sculptures will be installed in three Squamish neighbourhoods: the southeast corner of Pemberton and Cleveland Avenues in Downtown Squamish, the eagle viewing dike at Eagle Run in Brackendale, and the entrance to the Garibaldi Village pedestrian overpass in Garibaldi Estates. Nick was named the winner of the Connecting Squamish Neighbourhoods public art project launched earlier this year. Installation is slated for fall of 2016.

"Public art can work wonders in communities in many ways; it creates attachment to one’s community and helps people rediscover imagination,” says District of Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman. “These installations will not only enhance the connection between our neighbourhoods, they will spark dialogue and emotion by uniting the built and the natural environment. We’re excited to have chosen artwork that so creatively reflects the character of our town.”

The salmon sculptures were inspired by a Pacific Northwest Coast Aboriginal peoples’ legend. Each piece will be made using welded steel, paint, resin and found objects that are unique to each neighbourhood.

“The connections between the town’s recreation and natural environment speak to me as an artist,” says Nick who has lived and worked as a multi-disciplinary artist in the Sea to Sky Corridor for the past 25 years. “I have been inspired, molded and touched by all Squamish has to offer and I feel truly privileged to create an art piece that links its neighbourhoods.”

The public call for submissions was launched by the Public Art Select Committee with the goal of creating linkages within the community through the design and installation of permanent public art pieces. The Committee has also recently launched a public art application to allow members of the community to submit proposals for public art on District land.

For more information on the District’s Public Art Policy, current projects and the Public Art Select Committee visit our public art page. 

July 15, 2016