Recollections and Topiary: reflections on public art in Calgary

You walk on it, you pass by it andkids play on it.

Public art in Calgary has become part of our landscape.

But at theMcKnightWestwindsLRT station, it's also a reflection of the community's history, burned deep into theglass of the shelter itself.

The crystalline walls are inlaid with images of people's actualimmigration papers,historical family photosand other donated items from the communityandthe Glenbow Archives.

Nenshi's favourite

The artwork happens to be one of Mayor Naheed Nenshi's favourite in the city.

"Every day when I'm at that station, I see people looking at this art, interacting with it, and understanding how it tells the story of the community," he said.

The art focuses on two main themes of the area'shistoryagriculture and immigrationand shares glimpses of people's settlementin the area.

"Literally, as you're coming and going from the station and from your community, you can see images of coming and going from the country," saidDawn Ford, public art co-ordinator with the city.

The ability for the community to see itself reflected in the public artandexplore the shared sense of history makes the artwork particularlypoignant, she said.

"It creates a greater sense of connection and ownership over the artwork, and a little bit of pride in what was created," Ford told The Homestretch.

Public art on public transit

The $308,000 project was designed by North Carolina artistsJim Hirschfield and Sonya Ishii, who specialize in art on public transit.

Ford said these transit stopsare prime areas for public art because of their visibility and daily engagement with the community.

"Any time you see a historical photo, it gives you that wonderful sense of nostalgia, but then to know that these are real people that are a part of this community? That's wonderful," she said.

"It gives you that sense of homecoming. This is my stop. I know this place. This is the one that reflects me."

Creating a sense of place

The second component of theMcKnightWestwindsLRT station public art is the vibrant sculpture, known as the Topiary.

The themeof a shrub, shaped, pruned and nurturedby human touch, reflects the story of the land itself,she said.

"All of the pieces come together to talk about man touching nature, and our connection to this community," Ford said.

"You can't miss this place. When you pull up to it, and you find Topiary, and you see this bright coloured sculpture that stands out within the landscape, you know where you are," Ford said.

"A large function of public art is placemaking, and creating that sense of place. This has really done that for us."

With files from Susan Holzman and The Homestretch