If you drive along Beach Drive in Oak Bay, you will see a collection of metal hearts lining the road.
They are part of the municipality’s Arts Alive project. The colourful creations are just as unique as the artists who created them.
“I put a call out to artists who wanted to be part of this project and we got 18 artists. We’re so glad there’s such a variety all of the hearts,” says Oak Bay Arts Laureate Barbara Adams.
Hoping to bring a smile to those passing by, they’ve been in place all over Oak Bay, and are now overlooking the sea.
“They’ve been on Willows Beach, they’ve been in Estevan Village, they’ve been in Oak Bay Village and now they’re here on the boulevard and they may move again,” says Adams.
The pop-up exhibit has been the perfect solution for those wanting to stay close to home during the pandemic.
“Some people are really taking the stay at home very seriously and so we have them in different places,” adds Adams.
From Dr. Bonnie Henry to intricate lace patterns, each heart tells a distinctly different story.
“To me a night with a starry sky you feel safe or the light makes you feel safe,” says artist Marie-Andrée Allison. Her heart features holes through the metal that allows light to shine through like stars.
“Well I thought long and hard about it and I didn’t really want to do something beautiful because I thought here’s all this suffering,” says Hanna Benson. Her workpiece features teardrops falling like rain on a blue and black cityscape.
The hearts will go on sale after the displays are done, with the money raised benefit future Arts Alive projects and the artists themselves.
To purchase one of the art hearts, send an email to [email protected] or visit the District of Oak Bay website for more information.
Cole Sorenson
