Mosaic River

In 2017 I was awarded a major public art commission by the City of Vernon and the Downtown Vernon Association to create a participatory public work of art addressing the theme of respect to commemorate Canada’s 150th birthday.

I wanted to create a work of art that honoured our local waterways in their natural state, before confederation and infrastructure. Our need for water is the common thread that connects us all and it was my intention that Mosaic River act as a reminder of what was here before, and become the fabric we weave together in mutual respect as a symbol of our community and its commitment to the environment. Moving water is more powerful than a concrete sidewalk, causing even the gentlest of streams to eventually polish the rocks it flows over; therefore my hope was that this artwork symbolizing the flow of water, would be powerful enough to inspire momentum in all of us to care more and join together to respect and protect our waterways.

Through a series of 25 workshops, I guided over 250 members of the community through the process of creating their own mosaic segments, that when assembled together, creates a river that runs through Vernon’s downtown core.

I focused on creating the larger sections of the mosaic, such as the big raindrop that feeds the river, the spawning salmon swimming up-stream and the spiral which ends the river - representing the constant flow of water. And I managed to sneak in a segment of my beloved dog, Otis. :)

With my awesome crew of 3, at 156-feet long, Mosaic River was successfully installed in Vernon’s Cenotaph Park over the summer of 2018.

Stay tuned…. With some help from Synergist Media, I am working on video that showcases Mosaic River through the aerial lens of drone footage!

Funded in part by the Government of Canada, the City of Vernon and the Downtown Vernon Association, the artwork is owned and maintained by the City of Vernon.