MOOSE JAW — Residents who use Spring Creek Park for walks, picnics or birdwatching will soon come across an eight-foot-tall butterfly statue covered in colourful and artistic ceramic tiles.
The North West Community Association (NWCA) plans to install the artwork at the corner of Thatcher Drive West and Simcoe Street along the Spring Creek trail by the end of July.
Community artist Grant McLaughlin will work with Christy Schweiger from the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery to create the statue, while students from St. Michael School will paint ceramic tiles that will cover the artwork.
The NWCA has successfully delivered previous projects in the northwest corner of the community, with a strong focus on local engagement, said a report presented during the recent public art committee (PAC) meeting.
The organization recently partnered with the City of Moose Jaw on the creation of the Kinsmen Regal Heights Spray Park and the installation of a new shelter at Spring Creek Playground.
The NWCA expects the project to cost $4,000, with $2,500 going to McLaughlin and $1,500 to the art museum, the report added. The organization has secured funding through the City of Moose Jaw’s community capital grant program, so it didn’t require any money from the public art committee.
“I have had the honour of working with these hard-working volunteers over the past few years … ,” said Scott Osmachenko, recreation services manager, noting this artwork will be similar to a turtle sculpture in Wakamow Valley.
There will be a picnic table, a trail sign and the butterfly sculpture at the site, with the artwork visible to motorists driving south on Thatcher Drive and pedestrians walking on the trail, he continued. Meanwhile, the organization is efficient with its fundraising efforts and stewards its money wisely.
“They’re very excited about this project … . They’re now already talking about what their next project will be, so (it’s) exciting to see their spirit,” Osmachenko added.
Said Yvette Moore, PAC chairwoman, “It sounds like a beautiful project. (I) look forward to seeing it.”
PAC members then voted unanimously to approve the North West Community Association’s butterfly sculpture project for installation in Spring Creek Park, with the association to cover the costs for the materials, installation and ongoing maintenance, city administration to draft an installation and maintenance agreement and the mayor and city clerk to sign the contract for the city.
The next public art committee meeting is in September.
