Public art

Prairie Walk finds new home in Broadmoor Lake Park!  Artwork beautifully integrates into its new natural home as the snow begins to fall.

Originally commissioned and installed in 2010 for Centre in the Park by ISL Engineering, this artwork was decommissioned in 2015 to make room for new building construction. After six years, County residents will have the opportunity to enjoy the new Prairie Sound Garden. Daylight-activated recordings of natural wetland and grassland sounds are paired with 15 dramatically shaped granite boulders. Through meticulous placement and orientation of each stone, the park’s existing trees and undulating hills are integrated into the work. Together, they merge into a single poetic unity becoming a metaphor for our connection with the earth.

Well-known and celebrated Canadian artists, Catherine Burgess, Walter Jule, and Royden Mills (forming a collective known as Tricycle) have each enjoyed prolific careers as visual artists and as educators in the Department of Fine Arts at the University of Alberta.

The County's own, Downy Karvonen, is a location sound recordist and an audio post-production engineer. In addition to his work with Karvonen Films documentary productions, Downy's soundtracks have been transported to over 48 countries by broadcasters such as National Geographic, Discovery Channel Europe, CBC's Nature of Things, and IMAX Canada.

Strathcona County Public Art Plan

Strathcona County Council approved its Public Art Plan in June 2014.
Strathcona County's 2014-2019 Public Art Plan (5.0 MB)

The impact of public art on a community is priceless and once experienced, the value only appreciates. Public art has the power to energize public spaces, encourage creative thought and transform the places we live, work, and play into more welcoming and beautiful environments that invite interaction.

Public art can make strangers talk, children ask questions and calm a hurried life. Public art can enhance the quality of life by encouraging a heightened sense of place and by introducing works of art that can touch viewers today and generations to come.

Art of our County 

Take a virtual tour of our collection of murals, sculptures and other treasures. Discover the stories behind the artwork and learn about the artists. Works with your mobile device too!

Artist contact list

If you are interested in receiving emails about public art programs and calls, please email Susan Pointe. Artist are encouraged to watch for opportunities listed on this webpage as well as on industry related websites.

Calls for Artists

There are no calls at this time.