The endorsement and enjoyment of local art is part of what makes a community vibrant!
Every year, Oak Bay Parks, Recreation and Culture promotes local artists and their creations by hosting an Arts Alive Annual Sculptural Exhibition—this year’s theme was “What is Home?”
From July until November, onlookers are invited to vote on their favourite pieces, where a team of jurors will then select the top three to evaluate and determine which one should be given the “People’s Choice” award.
This year, Oak Bay residents were treated to ten different sculptures on display in the exhibition, and the winner of the People’s Choice title has been officially given to local artist Scott Gillies piece, ‘In-Den-Tation.’
His piece is sponsored by Mike and Rebecca Miller and is currently located on the corner of Oak Bay and Monterey Avenue—giving viewers a whimsical peek into a fox den.
“In this depiction of home, a family of foxes enjoys a sunny afternoon at the mouth of their den,” said artist Scott Gillies.
“By anthropomorphizing animal’s homes, it might help us to have more empathy for them and encourage us to do a better job of sharing the world with them.”
Gillies is a multidisciplinary artist using mediums such as drawing, painting, 3D chalk art, animation, sculpture, photography, and filmmaking to portray his visions.
His work is described as whimsical and surreal but grounded in the beauty of the natural world.
The runners-up for People’s Choice were ‘Horaltic Pose – Cormorant,’ by Erick James and ‘Shelter,’ created by Peter Vogelaar.
All of the sculptures will remain on display in the community until April 2024, so there’s still plenty of time to enjoy them.
Walking/cycling maps are available at Oak Bay Recreation Centres and on the Arts Alive webpage.
The map encourages residents to explore the district to view the sculptures, which are available for private purchase.
If you are a sculptor and are interested in having your own work displayed, they’ve opened their submission applications for the 2024/2025 Arts Alive, themed “Beyond the Surface.”
For more information and to apply, visit their website.
