The summer boost of arts on The Ave is well underway with extra works appearing on Oak Bay and Estevan avenues this year.
Last summer arts laureate Barbara Adams co-ordinated six temporary art installations in Oak Bay – three public use pianos and three art pieces. The second season of artist-loaned works will feature the addition of a series of sculptures in Oak Bay Village and artworks in Estevan Village business storefronts.
“I am excited to illuminate the value of the arts for the community’s pleasure and promote Oak Bay as the centre of the arts in Greater Victoria to visitors,” said Adams.
This year’s three large sculptures are the Rebirth, whale bones at Entrance Park at the corner of Foul Bay Road and Oak Bay Avenue. In a proactive approach to keeping the flowerbeds intact, district gardeners left a path behind the sculpture to allow for photo opportunities. The Ice Princess, by Armando Barbon, graces the lawn of municipal hall and Splash by returning artists Illarian Gallant takes its place on a municipal field at 2275 Beach Dr. All the artwork is on loan for the summer by the artists.
Four donated pianos, painted by local artists, will dot the landscape this year, up from three last year.
The one painted by Robert Amos last year is slated for use during business hours in Estevan Village. The other three – painted by Jim McFarland, Daciana Oana and Sherryl Hustins – are destined for Turkey Head, Cattle Point and Loon Bay Park.
“My vision is for an Oak Bay Artsy Amble as a unifying catalyst for the community,” she said. Adams envisions six permanent art spaces linked by 20 standalone installations.
cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com