(Left - Boy with Dog by John Robinson, photo EAC Conservation; Right - detail of Sometimes, Always, Even by April Dean, photo, A. Dean)

 

Next time you are walking the dog or just traversing Paul Kane Park on 122 street & 103 Avenue, take a moment and observe the new, as well as the improved, public art.
 
John Robinson’s beloved landmark sculpture Boy With Dog has returned to its granite rock at the north end of the park after receiving some much-needed TLC from the Edmonton Arts Council Conservation team. The artwork has been cleaned and buffed, received a few minor repairs, and reinstalled using extremely durable hardware. The maintenance will ensure that park users can continue to enjoy the sculpture for years to come.
 
Over by the upgraded ornamental pond, stately granite slabs encase the new water feature. Once the warm weather returns, water will cascade over subtle text art by Edmonton’s April Dean.  The artwork is called Sometimes, Always, Even - and YEGArts caught up with April to chat about it.

(Alex Decoteau's great niece Isola Mottershead chats to the media on September 16, photo EAC)

 

On October 30, 1917, a Canadian soldier, Alexander Decoteau died at the Battle of Passchendaele. On September 16, 2017, more than 120 members of his family gathered with the Edmonton community, the mayor, members of the Edmonton Police Service, and Loyal Edmonton Regiment, to dedicate a park in his name.
 
Alex Decoteau was Canada’s first Indigenous police officer, serving with the EPS before enlisting to fight in the First World War in 1915. He was also a gifted runner, winning every major race in Western Canada between 1909 and 1914 as well as competing in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. His many achievements are honoured in Esprit, a sculpture by Canadian artist Pierre Poussin.
 
Speaking at the event, Poussin said “This sculpture – Esprit, spirit – is my way of celebrating the spirit of Alex Decoteau. I was taken by his passion and achievements in running and sports. When you look at the piece you will see an abstract figure of a runner crossing the finish line. The colour was directly inspired by Alex Decoteau’s bird, the red pheasant as well as being a colour of passion and celebration. I hope that Esprit can help raise awareness of this important Canadian figure and hero. I hope this awareness contributes to the greater discussions being held today around Indigenous rights, Indigenous stories, all around our country.”

 

To create the sculpture, Poussin worked closely with descendants of Alex Decoteau, including his great niece Isola Mottershead who he thanked for her “wisdom, permission, and guidance.”

 

 

Commenting on the park, Isola spoke about an unexpected aspect of the space – the off-leash area. “…there were six dogs, one big one and smaller ones. They were having the time of their life – chasing a ball, playing, running, jumping – not a nip not a growl, they were having fun together. It was a reminder of a great lesson; that we must all come together as one. It doesn’t matter about our background, who we are, or where we are going, as long as we come together. We have to respect each other, live with truth in our hearts, and love.

Those are the three things that I think Alex Decoteau had in his heart. I think he was very respectful, a very truthful man, and he was full of love. As our friends all come to this park, and they look at the sculpture, I hope they are reminded of those three things: truth respect and love, and think of Alex and think of the Decoteau family."

The wildly popular #YEGCanvas is back for a third time!

The Edmonton Arts Council will celebrate the more than 30 artists participating this year with a celebration on November 20, 2017.

#YEGCanvas is a highly visible, high-profile transitory public art initiative that transforms the city into an urban gallery exhibiting works by Edmonton-area emerging, Indigenous, and multicultural artists, craftspeople, and artisans. #YEGCANVAS is an entry point for artists who have had little opportunity to participate in public art or exhibit in the Edmonton area.

#YEGCanvas 2017 - a  Citywide Billboard & LRT Station-Based Art Exhibition will feature 45 works of art displayed on billboards and LRT station transit posters throughout the City of Edmonton. Up to 45 artists will be selected for this exhibition, and their artwork will be shown on 10 billboards and 15 LRT station transit posters located throughout Edmonton. #YEGCANVAS 2017 will run from October 30, 2017 to April 15, 2018.

Stay tuned for more details!