New pieces of art will soon be captivating masses at Bud Miller All Seasons Park.
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The Lloydminster Public Art Advisory Committee is moving forward with new art pieces to be installed near the Bioclean Aquatic Centre.
“The successful applicant was Paul Reimer with one metal tree sculpture and two metal and stone benches,” said Natalie Clysdale, manager of the Lloydminster Museum and Archives.
The artwork that was previously installed on the southern wall of the Bioclean Aquatic Centre had deteriorated and could not be reinstalled.
The new pieces, which depict a tree, water and wind in the form of a sculpture and two benches, adheres to the vision of the park.
“Adhering to the public art recommendations in the Bud Miller All Seasons Park Masterplan, the Expression of Interest required proposals to include concepts of flora and fauna,” said Clysdale during the May 25 regular council meeting.
The installation’s location has been approved by the parks department. The cost of the project is $72,000, to be funded from the public art reserve account, which according to city documents, has a balance of $122,670.
Coun. Michele Charles Gustafson inquired whether an informational sign or placard would be installed to explain the meaning of the artwork to the public.
“I really do believe that public art should be a story about the community,” she said. “The best public art, I think, creates an expression for that person but also tells the story of the community.
“You’re telling me it’s water, but will the people know it’s water. I would love that to be part of the reason we’re placing it there. I just think that public art connected to the story is better used than public art just for functional purposes. It should be an expression.”
Clysdale explained how the decision came to be for the committee.
“It came down to a vote with committee members,” she said. “One of the reasons we selected this one over others is the functional aspect of the benches.”
Coun. Jim Taylor, who sits on the public art committee, explained it wasn’t an easy decision and there was a lot the committee had to consider.
“Trying to pick an artist was not easy and also trying to pick what art is also not easy, because everybody’s interpretation is going to be different,” he said.
Installation of the pieces would occur during the aquatic centre’s shutdown in fall of this year.
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