WAG Announces Finalists for Sculpture Garden Art Commission

Thursday, 24 March 2022 05:35

The Woodstock Art Gallery has narrowed down four finalists for the City's first public art commission for the Bruce Flowers Sculpture Garden.

WOODSTOCK - The public is being asked to weigh in on City of Woodstock’s first public art commission for the Bruce Flowers Sculpture Garden in Florence Carlyle Park.

Over 20 artists submitted designs for the sculpture and artists David Bobier, Nicholas Crombach, Simon Frank and Patrick Thibert were shortlisted for the project following a provincial call for qualifications.

Curator of the Art Gallery Mary Reid says they want to hear from the public on the matter.

"The park that this will be situated in is the newly named Florence Carlyle Park, so that is on the westside at the corner of Vansittart Ave and Ingersoll Avenue. We want the public to weigh in and let us know which sculpture they are drawn to and have a strong connection with."

Reid says it is no small feat to have a public art commission in Woodstock.

"This is a significant milestone for the City of Woodstock and for the Woodstock Art Gallery. Public art has the power to connect and to create spaces for belonging. I am wholly impressed with the calibre and quality of the artists’ proposals and look forward to receiving the community’s feedback."

Artist David Bobier:

"The thematic concepts of this commission are attractive to me as they encompass predominant qualities of a healthy and welcoming community. They speak directly to a more inclusive and progressive society and to an equality for all marginalized peoples."

Artist Nicholas Crombatch:

"I am grateful for the opportunity to submit a proposal for a significant artwork for the Bruce Flowers Sculpture Garden that will not only beautify the grounds, but also respond to Woodstock’s history and heritage."

Artist Simon Frank:

"The setting and vision for the new Bruce Flowers Sculpture Garden are both nicely aligned with the kind of outdoor works that are central to my art practice."

Artist Patrick Thibert:

"It is with much pleasure and honour to have been given the opportunity to make a proposal for the inaugural sculpture in the Bruce Flowers Sculpture Garden."

The goal is to have a decision in place by May and the sculpture completed by the fall.

You can find more details on the Art Gallery website and you can see photos of the proposed sculptures below.