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New mural by Emily Chu comes to Millennium Place in February

Illustration of athletes taking part in sports such as gymnastics, skiing, bowling, powerlifting, etc. Words Empowerment, Excellence, Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion (Special Olympics Alberta Values) are entwined in the illustration.
Mural by Emily Chu, 2023

Opening February 16, a new mural in Millennium Place celebrates diversity, Inclusion, and the 2023 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games.

Local artist Emily Chu’s bright and spirited mural animates the many values shared by Special Olympics Alberta and the County. In the mural, a frenzy of joyful athletes take part in a variety of activities, unified by the words, “empowerment”, “excellence”, “respect”, “diversity”, and “inclusion” — a reminder that sport and activity is for everyone! 

About the artist  

Emily Chu was born in Beijing and currently lives in Amiskwaciwâskahikan/Treaty 6 territory (Edmonton, Canada). Her illustrations have received awards from national and international illustration competitions such as 3x3 Contemporary Illustration Professional Show, American Illustration, and Applied Arts. She is also a recipient of the 2021 Edmonton Artists’ Trust Fund Award. Emily’s murals can be found throughout Edmonton.

moonGARDEN

February 17 - March 3, 2023

Artist depiction of moonGARDEN, with five globes in red, purple, blue, green and pink and silhouetted drawings of athletes within them.

The world travelling public art experience, moonGARDEN, is set to land in Strathcona County for the 2023 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games! 

Positioned outside the main entrance of  Millennium Place, County residents and visitors can enjoy the compelling sound and light-filled installation for two weeks only.

Installation Hours

  • Friday, February 17, 2023 - Grand opening at 5 p.m. 
  • February 18 - March 3, 2023 - sunset to 11 p.m. daily

Since its debut at Montreal’s winter festival Luminothérapie in 2012, moonGARDEN has captivated more than one million viewers of all ages from nearly every continent. Its magnificent glowing spheres have dazzled cities all over the world, including Lyon (France), Medellin (Columbia), Jerusalem (Israel), Athens (Greece), Beijing (China), and several others. 

Ranging from six to 15 feet in height, two of the five giant spheres hold a unique spectacle of shadow theatre amidst a dreamy soundscape and radiant light. The shadow puppets were specially designed for the 2023 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games to honour the commitment, perseverance, and achievement shared by Special Olympics athletes.   

Like Special Olympics Alberta, inclusion is at the heart of moonGARDEN. Lucion founder and CEO, Bernard Duguay, draws a visual connection between moonGARDEN and set theory, which is a mathematical concept that uses circles to illustrate how different groups of numbers belong together. As a metaphor, set theory demonstrates that regardless of differences, there is room for everyone within a community.  

  • About Lucion Media

     Permanent link to About Lucion Media
    About Lucion Media

    Lucion is an incorporated collective of visual artists, authors, storytellers, urban designers, interactive developers, and musicians that develop narrative environments. They draw energy from creating inspiring spaces that bridge arts, technology and sciences. Art has become their most effective ally to help reach beyond the known boundaries and create new pockets of beauty and awareness. The team blends avant-garde technologies and low-tech elements to produce theatrical-style experiences with eclectic and human dimensions. Over the last 20 years, Lucion has taken part in more than 400 artistic, museum, and corporate events. 

  • About Wireframe

     Permanent link to About Wireframe
    About Wireframe

    Based in Montreal, Wireframe is a public art agency that brings interactive art to cities and events all around the world. With logistical expertise and a commitment to impactful placemaking, Wireframe connects Canadian artists to an international stage.

 

Close up of a large sculpture of a dalmatian dog holding the end of a fire hose in its mouth.
Sadie by Craig LeBlanc, 2014

Explore public art in the County

Established in 2014, Strathcona County's quickly growing public art program encompasses over 40 major public art commissions. Public art is integral to the County’s pursuit of a vibrant and healthy place to live, work and visit. 

Public Art Map

Art collection

The County's art collection consists of hundreds of paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, and many other unique mediums. See these artworks installed in public spaces throughout the county, or browse the collection online. 

Abstract images painted on spiral staircase
Alex Janvier - Tribute to Beaver Hills, 1976

Calls for artists

2023 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games

From February 24-26, Strathcona County is honoured to host the 2023 Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games. Over 1,200 athletes, staff and volunteers from across the province will come together for a weekend of competitive sporting events and fun.

In connection with the Games, Strathcona County is seeking entries from local and regional artists/artisans to provide hand-made gift items for the purpose of recognizing the support of Games contributors.

Submission entry deadline: December 27, 2022 at 8 a.m.

Submission requirements

  • Specifications

     Permanent link to Specifications
    Specifications

    The County seeks high quality, decorative or functional goods, designed and/or handmade by the submitting artists/ artisans:

    • A single item type – or variations on a single item type preferred to enable a consistent gift for those being recognized
    • Items that bear a logo, slogan or emblem representative of the games are considered desirable
    • Approximately 30-50 pieces will be required
    • Budget range is $20-$30 per item
    • The chosen artist/artisan will have approximately six weeks to produce the items from contact signing to delivery
    • Items are required by March 6, 2023
    • The County requires delivery of the items by the artist/ artisan or their preferred shipper

  • Artwork selection process and criteria

     Permanent link to Artwork selection process and criteria
    Artwork selection process and criteria
    • A small panel of Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games 2023 stakeholders will review entries after the entry deadline has passed (December 27, 2022 at 8 a.m.).  Deliberations are confidential.
    • One artist/artisan will be selected to produce a series of a single item type. Artist/ artisan collaborations are eligible.
    • Panel members will assess entries based on:
      • Quality
      • Suitability for the Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games
      • Price
      • Artist/ artisan’s ability to meet required production and delivery deadline.

    All entrants will be contacted.The selected artist/artisan will be contacted in early January, 2023 and will be required to enter into a contract with Strathcona County.

    Questions can be directed to:

  • Application process

     Permanent link to Application process
    Application process

    Entrants can submit up to five different items for consideration.

    Entries must be emailed to:

    For each item, please provide the following: 

    • Item title/name/ type 
    • Medium and approximate dimensions in inches
    • An image of the item (please provide in jpeg format) 
    • Price (or price range) for each item. Please include any available volume discounts
    • Information about available modifications e.g., colour, finish, size etc. 

    Artist’s/ artisans are also required to provide the following information with their submission:  

    • Artist/ artisan name
    • Business name (if applicable)
    • Full mailing and/ or business address
    • Website or online commerce store if applicable
    • Estimated timeline to produce the items
    • Supply of an artist/artisan bio and information on production is welcomed but optional

    Questions about submissions can be directed to jenny.willson@strathcona.ca.

Strathcona County is collecting information for this call to artists in accordance with s.33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and the information you provide will be used in the management and administration of this call for entries. If you have any questions about the collection or use of your information, please contact Jenny Willson, Community Liaison Officer – Culture either by telephone at 780-464-8058 or email at jenny.willson@strathcona.ca.

Call for art selection jury members (ongoing)

Strathcona County invites artists, curators and other creative professionals (such as designers and architects) to submit qualifications. This roster forms an on-hand list of interested and qualified individuals who will assist the County in assessing proposals for public art projects.  

Download and review the guidelines (119.6 KB)


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Contact Public Art

Susan Pointe, curator
susan.pointe@strathcona.ca
587-335-4105

Susie Winters, assistant curator 
susie.winters@strathcona.ca
780-242-3227

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Last updated: Monday, January 30, 2023
Page ID: 39607