SACKVILLE, N.B. – Sackville was in the national spotlight recently as it was honoured for a public art piece that was commissioned last summer as part of downtown Bridge Street’s revitalization.
Heron’s Watch, the sculpture by Halifax artist Christian Toth, was highlighted as part of the Creative City Network of Canada’s annual summit in Halifax on Oct. 20, selected among one of 10 art pieces showcased during a ‘Public Art in Canada year in review.’
Jamie Burke, senior manager of corporate projects for the town, said the town was thrilled to receive recognition for one of the country’s best public art pieces of the year. He said Sackville was amongst a group that included artworks from some of the ‘heavy hitters’ in the arts scene, including pieces from Saskatoon, Victoria, Winnipeg, Hamilton, Barrie and Calgary.
“We were pretty pleased to be able to share the stage with them,” said Burke.
The public art pieces were chosen by a jury panel from submissions across the country. Heron’s Watch was submitted by the town last spring, with Burke explaining that the sculpture has received a lot of positive feedback from the community since it was installed at the corner of Bridge and Weldon Street last fall.
“It seemed to resonate well with residents,” he said.
Placed within the new circular sandstone planter, the bronze sculpture features a majestic heron overlooking two ducks, one standing and one sitting. The three birds sit on a landscaped pedestal and viewed together reflect the marsh and its waterfowl inhabitants.
“We wanted to have something the community could connect with,” said Burke.
