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Art abounds on the North Shore

Their dark, striking presence dotted the landscape along Lonsdale Avenue for almost three years. But in March the controversial Walking Figures were packed up and sent to Montreal along with the red, crouching monks of Rey Sargent Park.
art walk

Their dark, striking presence dotted the landscape along Lonsdale Avenue for almost three years.

But in March the controversial Walking Figures were packed up and sent to Montreal along with the red, crouching monks of Rey Sargent Park.

While it’s possible the monks might return one day, the Walking Figures likely will not and some people are happy about that. The pedestrian artwork, which featured a series of tall, headless cast-iron legs, were installed in 2014 by Vancouver Biennale, a non-profit organization that seeks to exhibit art in public places.

The stark and sombre esthetic of the figures evoked a mixed response. And while some argued the figures were ugly and even disturbing, others noted that art is meant to provoke, to make a statement, and to make people think.

Regardless of your opinion about the long legs now living somewhere in Quebec, there are plenty more public art pieces to discover and explore.

North and West Vancouver are home to more than 100 public works of art, and both offer information about all the pieces on their municipal websites.

West Vancouver

If you haven’t yet, take a look at the south wall of the Aquatic Centre for an installation of moveable sunshades, or sit in the Big Chairs by the Seawalk at the foot of 18th Street. Look up at the Music Box’s chimney mural, and don’t forget to touch the German Friendship Globe as you walk through Dundarave Park. While you’re touching things, give Mona the Harbour Seal a rub.

The bronze sculpture at the West Vancouver Aquatic Centre encourages swimmers to rub it for good luck.

Some public art in West Van is highly visible, but some of it is subtle. Have you seen the small, stone figure of a mother nurturing a child in an area of plants by the Beach House Restaurant in Dundarave?  

“It’s just something you kind of have to walk by and discover,” Doti Niedermayer, senior manager of cultural development, told this reporter in February for a story focusing on public art in the District of West Vancouver. “It reflects the culture of the community, helps with community identity and pride. It creates a gathering place. I think the best pieces of public art create a place where people stop and gather and look at the art work, have a discussion. It reflects either the spirit of the place or has something to say about the environment or politics or beauty, or any of those things.”

Many people have seen the Spirit of the Mountain sculpture at the entrance of Ambleside Park, but do you know the story it tells? According to the district website, Spirit of the Mountain evokes the Lions Gate Bridge.

That bridge takes its name from The Lions, the two famed peaks above West Vancouver that the Squamish people call The Twins or Sisters. Legend says that the high-born twin sisters brought peace between the Squamish and Haida people.

The piece shows two upright paddles incorporated into the design that represent mutual respect. Between the paddles is a Squamish Thunderbird head, which symbolizes the Squamish Nation. In the background, a great canoe represents the journey to build a foundation for future generations within the communities of West Vancouver and the Squamish Nation.

Across the North Shore, public art can be found in libraries, recreation centres, municipal halls, along nature trails and public walkways, and in parks, among other places.

North Vancouver

Over in North Vancouver, one of the most noticeable pieces of public art in the district is the bronze sculpture of author Walter Draycott sitting on a bench at Pioneer Square (1305 Lynn Valley Rd.).

But there is much more in the area, including the Forrest Lore mural in the kids section at Lynn Valley District Library and Rock Report, an installation of over-sized books hand-carved from B.C. granite and other stones located just outside the North Vancouver Archives and meant to reference the historical documents inside.

Even Lynn Valley Village has hidden gems. Look up at the two-storey windows of the community meeting room located opposite the library entrance for they bear the image of the first Lynn Valley General Store, which was at one time located within feet of the new library site.

Over in the city, public art starts right down at the bottom of Lonsdale and travels all the way up to 21st Street, filling nooks and crannies along the way.

Perhaps the best known piece is The Big Drawer, an outdoor monument to shipyard workers. The installation features a large photo collage mural and a series of sculpted punch cards from actual workers. This piece marks the original entrance to Burrard Dry Dock and the location where workers punched their time cards.

Just a couple of blocks up and to the west, you’ll find a nice collection of artwork around John Braithwaite Community Centre. But the journey starts inside on the landing between the first and second floors, which features images etched into the stairwell meant to raise awareness of violence against women and their healing process. The piece is called Invisible and was created by artist Karen Ireland and the North Shore Women’s Centre.

Step outside and exit to First Street. Turn left and look across the street to find a collection of pocket parks and curvy paths all displaying public art.

Look for a bridge called Streams of Conciousness, which is meant to be a metaphor for connections with the past and the present and reflects on the natural resources and industries that built the area.

Nebula Garden shows a collection of panels spotted with colourful orbs, meant to explore the idea of electricity as fluid energy. The Time Keepers are six figures on a stairway who represent local residents whose stories are etched onto the sculptures. Take a minute to stop and read the stories your neighbours have to tell.

Inside the city hall foyer sits the splendid Fallen Tree, a complex arrangement of benches that pay homage to the fallen tree with its root system flaring upward toward the sky.

Art in the city can be found en route all the way up to Centennial Theatre.  

For more information and details of routes, visit the three municipal websites.