Richmond’s newest piece of public art will pay homage to Steveston’s fishing history as a nine-metre-high structure called Spirit of Steveston will be featured next to a new childcare facility at the former Steveston High site, now the home of 133 townhouse units, known as Kingsley Estates.
If approved by city council, the $195,000 project (paid for by development firm Polygon as a standard voluntary contribution) will feature a seine fishing boat high above the air, followed by a flock of seagulls, as it returns to port.
Spirit of Seveston will be located along No. 2 Road.
“The proposed artwork by Cheryl Hamilton and Michael Vandermeer and donated by Polygon Development represents a significant gift to the City of Richmond,” notes public art planner Eric Fiss, in a report to council.
“The artwork will interpret the rich heritage of Steveston and Steveston Secondary and activate this new addition to the London/Steveston Park for the enjoyment of visitors and residents,” concludes Fiss.
City gifted silver sculpture
Pending approval from city council, the City of Richmond will soon own a public art sculpture that rests at the edge of the Cambie Road drainage station at River Road, near Aberdeen Station.
The piece known as Water #10 by artist Ren Jun is a tall (6.5 metre), stainless steel sculpture intended to reflect “confidence, freedom and fluidity,” according to an official description.
It was valued at $448,000 and installed in 2010 by the Vancouver Biennale.
Oris Development, via its Parc Riviera development, paid for the sculpture and has subsequently donated it to the city as part of its voluntary public artwork contribution (development fee).
Oris’ donation was valued at $400,000 and the company will also contribute $175,000 for other public art, including at the new Tait Waterfront Park, adjacent to the Parc Riviera condos, near the north end of No. 4 Road.
