June 22, 2016 - The City of Thunder Bay unveiled plans for the beautification of curb extensions on Algoma Street between Bay Street and Cornwall Avenue. The curb extensions are being transformed into displays of Public Art with the addition of painted street furnishings and plans for the installation of two pedestrian-scale bronze sculptures.

"Elements of ordinary infrastructure have been transformed into works of functional public art," said Daniel Hansen, Chair - Public Art Committee. "The artworks increase the visibility of the curb extensions while simultaneously enhancing the cultural experience of residents and visitors to the Bay & Algoma neighbourhood."

Existing flower planters and bollards on the curb extensions have been enhanced through street art painted by Definitely Superior Art Gallery's youth art collectives. Die Active Art Collective and Neechee Studio collaborated to create paintings that reference the area's Finnish and Oji-Cree heritage. Painting was completed in early June.

The selected designs for sculptures planned for the area were also unveiled. Designs for two bronze sculptures, entitled Wild Life, by artist Brandon Vickerd, were selected through an open competition administered by the City's Public Art Program in 2015. The sculptures, which address themes of urban wildlife, will be installed this August.

The $120,000 beautification project was administered by the City's Public Art Committee and Recreation & Culture Division and funded by the Clean, Green & Beautiful Committee Emerging Projects Fund. 

"The Clean, Green & Beautiful Committee was pleased to provide the dollars for this initiative," said Councillor Rebecca Johnson, Chair - Clean, Green & Beautiful Committee. "For this area we are looking at the beautiful component and it is important that we as a city, bring new art to our community.  This is what people look at, what people remember from a visit.  We all have streets and buildings, but it is the images, the art, the sculptures and the beauty that makes a lasting impact. The Committee will continue to look at other areas of the City to enhance in a similar manner.

For more information, visit www.thunderbay.ca/publicart

-30-

Contact: Leah Bayly, Manager - Cultural Development & Events, 625-2416, lbayly@thunderbay.ca