Arts Alive is Oak Bay Parks, Recreation & Culture’s annual public art program.
Where sculptures are selected by a peer jury to be displayed for up to a year at outdoor sites in our municipality. The sculptures are on temporary loan by the artists who are sponsored by a local business, individuals or community groups.
Each year, the Municipality of Oak Bay considers purchasing public art from the Arts Alive program to become part of its permanent public art collection. During the exhibition, the public is invited to vote for their favourite artwork. The 3 sculptures that received the most votes are evaluated by the Arts Alive Jury to award the ‘People’s Choice’. . These three sculptures are considered for purchase by the District of Oak Bay.
Arts Alive builds on many successful and engaging summers of temporary public art in Oak Bay, and through this program, Oak Bay has built a legacy of permanent public art in our community. This project was spearheaded between 2014-2020 by the former Oak Bay Arts Laureate Barbara Adams, whose vision and leadership contributed to making Oak Bay a destination for arts and culture.
Participate
Call for Artists
Intake is currently closed
Sponsor
For $1600, an individual or a business can sponsor a sculpture and support our artists. Sponsor names are featured on the sculpture nameplate, in the Arts Alive brochure, and on the Arts Alive web page.
Donate
Help us to continue to increase the livability and artistic richness of our community by donating to the Mayors’ Art Legacy Fund, which seeks to make art accessible in public places, and creates a legacy for future generations. Donations to sustain this program are welcomed. Donations over $25 will receive a tax-deductible receipt.
Purchase
All of the current sculptures are for sale with possession date after the annual exhibition completes.
Current 2025-26 Sculptures on Exhibition
There is no theme for the 2025-26 Arts Alive.
Taking Flight 2.0
Artistic Statement:
The Taking Flight series is inspired by nature but is also symbolic of change and transformation. The changing of seasons, the transformation of growth in general and also the changes that happen as transition from life. It symbolizes evolution but can be interpreted in many ways depending on what the viewer brings to it.
The sculpture is just over 9’ high. It is made up of seven stylized butterflies. They range in size from approx 20” to 60” across. They are made of steel and copper.
The wings are made with 3 layers. The underside is textured with a power hammer with a custom bottom die, and is made of 16g steel. The top layer has also been textured with the same power hammer die but is ⅛” thick. The top layer also has several stylized cutouts to simulate the patterns on butterfly wings. The middle layer is made from heavy copper sheet and is hammered through the holes of the top layer to bulge out in pleasant looking domes. The copper domes are filled with an automotive filler to provide support which makes them extremely tough. The three layers are stacked and welded along the perimeter creating a single, three layer wing with copper inlays. The butterfly bodies are quite stylized and very whimsical.
The butterflies are arranged with largest down low and steadily decreasing in size as they flutter up into the sky. The scale really immerses the viewer. There is a lot of movement and looks equally good from a distance or up close. When up close the scale and descending sizes really create a wonderful feeling of being immersed in the piece.
Materials: Carbon Steel and Copper
Biography: After completing the art programs at Dundas Valley College of Art and the Nova Scotia College of Art, Angellos came to visit the west coast of Canada.Inspired by the mountains, and attracted to the easygoing lifestyle, he moved to Gabriola Island. The smooth forms of driftwood and sandstone, as well as traditional native artwork, inspired Angellos to explore wood as a sculptural media. He expanded his repertoire, to carved doors and mirrors, and finally to an interest in designing and making furniture.
Angellos registered in furniture making school, enabling him to refine his skills, and laying down a foundation for creating functional interior pieces. His appreciation for texture and colour, coupled with his love of wood, provide new inspiration in design.
His work reflects the color and life that can be seen around Vancouver Island. Angellos has his own coastal style, and works in a variety of sculptural media to create pieces made of glass, wood, metal, stone – all elements of natural forms: sand, trees, ores, and rock.
Location: Oak Bay Avenue at Hampshire
For Sale Cost: $28,000
Sponsor: Vis-à-Vis | The Penny Farthing Pub
Midwestern Summer
Artistic Statement: Andrew Hellmund’s sculpture originates in the found and the discarded. It straddles the industrial and the natural, asking questions of our sense of form and space, presence and void. His art explores the language at the intersection of sculpture, dance, architecture and history. It focuses on movement influenced by Lindy Hop and other dance forms, jazz, Cubism and the natural world. The work that is produced is driven by the constant desire to create sculptures that express movement. The process both thoughtfully considers the object’s original use and decides whether to erase it or bring it to the fore. Creating a new narrative of movement and flow while juxtaposing the recognizable with the unknown. His practice of art making is about his own demand for creativity, developing ideas, and growth as an artist and nurturing a diverse sense of community.
Materials: Recycled Steel, Varnish
Biography: Andrew Hellmund, has maintained a professional art practice since 2010. His sculpture lab is currently based in Victoria, BC. Andrew specializes in abstract contemporary metal sculptures that explore movement while utilizing found and discarded metals. His work continues to focus on the gestures of Lindy Hop, Jazz, and Cubism. Since 2018 he has been fascinated by placing sculpture in pop-up shows across North America that start dialogues about what is art and the role it plays in our communities. His work can be found in collections from New England to British Columbia. In 2022, “After Hide” was permanently installed at his alma mater, in front of the Studio Art building (HWS Colleges, Geneva, NY USA.) In 2018, he was awarded the Virginia A. Groot Artist-in-Residence at Gustavus Adolphus College (USA) where he taught sculpture and created a new body of work. A documentary “Andrew Hellmund: Direct Metal” was produced.
Location: Lokier Park
For Sale Cost: $4,000
Sponsor: Oak Bay Tourism
Good Mourning
Artistic Statement: In this series, I use glass pillows as a symbolic medium to reframe notions of vulnerability and fragility, transforming them into representations of strength. These works reveal the often-overlooked landscapes of resilience that exist beyond mere survival.
The process was deeply cathartic — a means of processing the emotional weight of a long and unhealthy relationship. At the same time, it allowed me to explore broader, more universal themes of endurance, identity, and liberation.
This body of work also serves as a critique of the capitalist and patriarchal systems that shape and constrain our lived experiences. Good Mourning, in particular, reflects the emotionally fraught mornings I endured with my ex-husband, and the gradual unraveling of my own denial about the severity of my circumstances. When I began speaking out, I was struck by how disturbingly common this experience was — a shared narrative that too often remains hidden.
Materials: Cast Glass, Steel and Concrete
Biography: Claire attended Sheridan College, taking the Craft and Design Glass program where she discovered her passion for glass. She spent a number of years working for other artists, helping to create their work until she started her own practice in 2019. Over time, her series’ and ideas have evolved, however, they continue to revolve around themes of feminism, capitalism and social justice.
Most recently, Claire has been creating larger works and installations that are more interactive with the viewer. She has created multiple outdoor installations as well as had her first solo show in Montreal. She has participated in many group juried exhibitions as well as has a piece in the permanent collection of the Niagara Falls History Museum.
While glass is still her primary obsession, Claire continues to experiment with different processes and materials to push her ideas and grow as a conceptual artist.
Location: Oak Bay Avenue
For Sale Cost: $10,000
Sponsor: Mike & Rebecca Miller
The Kiss
Artistic Statement: In my sculpture “The Kiss,” two fish are captured kissing, their forms tentatively connecting, suspended upon a metal ring that symbolizes the circle of life. This piece invites viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of existence, the delicate balance of relationships, and the cyclical nature of love and life.
The fish, often seen as symbols of abundance and transformation, embody the fluidity of emotions and connections that define our human experience. Their kiss represents not only romantic love but also the deeper bonds of companionship and understanding that exist in all forms of relationships. As they glide toward one another, they remind us that love is a force that transcends boundaries, merging individuality into a beautiful union.
The metal ring serves as a powerful metaphor for the circle of life, reflecting the eternal cycles of birth, growth, decay, and renewal. It encapsulates the idea that every moment of connection, every act of love, contributes to the ongoing narrative of existence. Just as the ring has no beginning or end, so too do the influences we have on one another ripple through time, creating an everlasting impact.
In “The Kiss,” I aim to evoke a sense of wonder and introspection, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own relationships and the interconnectedness of all life. Through this work, I celebrate the beauty of love in its many forms and the shared journey that binds us together in this intricate tapestry of existence.
Materials: Bronze and Steel
Biography: David studied sculpture at Ravensbourne College of Art and Design in London, UK. (1981-1985).After graduating, he trained as a teacher of Art and Design gaining his P.G.C.E. He has been teaching and exhibiting ever since.
David was a regular exhibitor at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh, and exhibited at the Whitworth Gallery in Manchester at the New Contemporaries show.
In 2001, David moved to Canada and continued to teach and exhibit. In 2007, David won the best 3D award at the Sidney Fine Art Show and has also won numerous awards in the “Look” show. In 2008, David set up ‘The Sculpture Studio’ located in downtown Victoria. In 2009-2010 David was commissioned to work on the Blue Whale project for UBC and moulded and cast over 71 pieces of the Blue Whale skeleton as well as re-sculpting the skull.
In 2012, David worked as artist-in-residence at the Gitskan Art Centre in Hazelton, teaching first nation carvers how to mould and cast their artifacts. He has taught at Metchosin International School of the Arts, Victoria College of Art, and Brentwood College. In 2012 – present, David founded, and co-teaches clay sculpting at the ‘Sculpt Italy’ summer school, in Pietrasanta, Italy.
David specializes in mould making, casting, and also expressive sculpture. Some of David’s sculptures have been displayed in the Sidney Sculpture walk; Kingsbrae Sculpture walk; Castlegar Sculpture walk; Cranbrook; and the Oak Bay Sculpture walk. David’s sculptures are currently located in many private and public collections in the UK, Australia, Germany and Canada.
David continues to sculpt and paint in his studio based in James Bay, Victoria, the former studio of Limner Elsa Mayhew.
Location: Oak Bay Avenue
For Sale Cost: $16,000
Sponsors: Oak Bay Marine Group
Cosmos Wheels
Artistic Statement: The earliest evidence pointing to the development of the wheel is 3500 BCE in Mesopotamia. In those ancient times the initial use was as a potter’s wheel, a place where I started my career in the arts. I have always found rotational movement to be life affirming.
My earliest wind wheel mobile (Bodhi Frog) can still be seen spinning away on Willows Beach… frog is poised to leap from his perch with the wheels egging him on.
Ancient cultures held the wheel as a symbol of life itself. With the beginning and the end point being in the same place. Like a serpent swallowing it’s own tail.
This well-known verse from T.S Eliot’s Little Gidding comes to mind…
We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time
T.S. Elioit
Materials: 2 Aluminum wheels creating a wind propelled mobile
Biography: Born in cottage country (Cultus Lake) Doug fell in love with handmade back yard weathervanes at an early age. This fueled his passion for building whimsical mobiles that reflect the storyline of a site. e.g. Wind Wheel Mobile (Vancouver Convention Centre) Purple Martin Swallow (Selkirk Waterfront, Victoria)
The use of wind as energy to articulate sculpture reconnects us with the deeper invisible elements at play on earth, helping us to stand in awe.
Artistic Influence: Alexander Calder, Susumu Shingu, and unknown folk artists…
Awards: 2009 Art In America Bird Song Listening Station (Seattle Center) is selected in 19 top international public art works.
Doug lives and works in Vancouver, BC
Location: McNeill Bay
For Sale Cost: $18,000
Sponsor: Marc Owen Flood
Baba Yaga Little Free Library
By Erick James
Artistic Statement: Book burnings, censorship, and oppression are cultural genocide.
Read all the books.
Read the banned books.
Read the challenged books.
Just read.
Knowledge is power.
This is a tiny selection of books that have been challenged in Canada, sadly there are numerous others…
- The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
- Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
- Foxfire by Joyce Carol Oates
Materials: Mixed Metals
Biography: As a biologist and artist my pieces convey the wonders of the natural world. I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of British Columbia and an Honours Metal Certificate from the Kootenay School of the Arts at Selkirk College. I have worked and studied in labs for more than 20 years and still find wonder there. It is this curiosity and excitement for the natural world that I bring to my art. In larger than life metal microbes, metal origami birds, scanning electron micrographs in gilded frames, and framed fixed specimen slides. The invisible are made visible, the often seen are reexamined.
Location: Oak Bay Avenue
For Sale Cost: $16,000
Sponsor: Oak Bay Pharmasave
Mourning
Artistic Statement: I find that I am motivated to create works which will bring people to think about serious issues like extinction, discrimination, hope and also the beauty of nature. I also try to conceive unique ways to present these messages using the particular qualities of the medium I am working with at the time.
For the past few years I have alternated between glass mosaic over concrete and welded steel sculptures. My ideas come to me while driving, or dreaming and if they persist in my consciousness, I try to realize them as best I can.
Commercial success sometimes leads me to further explore some of these inspirations. As long as people want to buy my work I am able to survive and create another new piece tomorrow. I feel very fortunate to be able to create things of beauty which get appreciated by many.
Materials: Welded Steel (note all plasma cutting was done by hand)
Biography: Peter has been an artist for over 50 years, working in a great variety of media.
In 1976 he graduated from Kootenay School of the Arts with majors in Sculpture and Printmaking From 1977 to 1989 he operated a successful sign business in Fort St John, BC.
Peter moved to the Kootenays in 1989 and became interested in ephemeral sculpture.
He has been a snow sculptor since 1992, twice representing Canada at Winter Olympics, and winner of the event in Torino Italy in 2006.
In 2003 he started sand sculpting with David Ducharme and has won 2 World Championships as well as numerous prestigious contests in solo and doubles sand sculpting competitions. Working in snow, ice and sand has taken Peter to 19 different countries and enabling him to develop skills for permanent sculpture as well.
Peter’s commissioned works appear in the permanent public art collections in Fort St John, and the City of Castlegar.
Location: Cadboro Bay Road
For Sale Cost: $4,700
Sponsor: Barclay’s Fine Jewellers | Prestige Picture Framing Etcetera
Modern Man Does Research
By Ron Simmer
Artistic Statement: My goal as a sculptor is to create amusing, imaginative and thoughtful art to immediately engage people. If I can succeed in making a passer-by smile at one of my works and their day is made better, I have succeeded. If a viewer is encouraged by my art to actively address environmental issues, that is priceless.
I often contribute fun, interactive art to festivals and events celebrating music, spirituality and community – art for the moment. I strive to create organic and beautiful public art works that honour humanity in relation to nature. In the theatre of public art lies the opportunity to touch people for a meditative instant with expanded consciousness. I believe art is essential in living life to the fullest.
I have been active in enabling other artists by organizing events – exhibitions, workshops, performances, fundraisers, even “bad” art sales and trash fashion shows. I hold executive positions in several art societies where I strive to make a difference. I am head of Revision the Art of Recycling Society.
Materials: Recycled Stainless Steel Cookware
Biography: Ron Simmer has created public sculpture installations for exhibitions in BC, Ontario, Washington, Oregon, California and several US states. His most recent project was a $128K public sculpture which was installed in Routley Park, Township of Langley, in 2023. More permanent works are located at the Chilliwack Evens Road roundabout, the San Juan Island sculpture park, and the Vancouver Makerlabs building,
Other temporary public art has been exhibited at the Annual Peace Arch Park International Sculpture Exhibition, the Vancouver ReVision@Creekhouse Granville Island shows, the Castlegar Sculpture Walk, City of White Rock Sculpture Walk, the Penticton Sculpture event, the Lake Oswego Gallery Without Walls, El Paseo in Palm Desert and Arts Alive Oak Bay.
Location: Causton’s Green | Hampshire Road
For Sale Cost: $9,500
Sponsor: The Zieglers
Untitled
By Geemon Meng
Artistic Statement: Untitled depicts a figure whose relaxed posture and serene colour create a sense of tranquillity and quietness. Being approximately life-size, Untitled is approachable, inviting the audience to extend and apply their creativity to the work and experience calmness for a passing moment. Its human form is reminiscent of the shape of rolling clouds, with sunlight being able to pass through the internal space of the sculpture.
Materials: Fibreglass
Biography: Born in Inner Mongolia in 1968, Geemon began to study drawing and painting when he was 15 years old and sculpture when he was 18 years old. Geemon immigrated to Canada as a distinguished artist in 2004, becoming a member of the Sculptors Society of Canada in 2006 and founding the Vancouver Sculpture Studio in 2012. He became an elected member of the National Sculpture Society (USA) in 2018. He currently resides in Vancouver, Canada.
Location: Estevan Village
For Sale Cost: $16,500
Sponsor: REMAX
