A metal tree sculpture and two stone-and-metal benches could be to Bud Miller All Seasons Park this fall after Lloydminster received information regarding the $72,000 for the project on May 25.
The pieces are the work of Paul Reimer, a Cranbrook, B.C. artist with public commissions in both Edmonton and Saskatoon. The Public Art Advisory Committee selected Reimer’s proposal from six submissions, shortlisting three before a final vote.
The installation replaces a two-dimensional mural called Echeteria, by artist Laura Hale, which had deteriorated and could not be reinstalled after the Bioclean Aquatic Centre received new exterior cladding.
Committee representative Natalie Clysdale said the flora and fauna theme ties the pieces directly to Bud Miller’s own master plan.
“The thematic concept we were looking for is just that flora and fauna piece to tie into the Bud Miller master plan,” Clysdale said. “We wanted to make sure we’re aligning our goals with the plans that are in place.”
She also noted Reimer’s track record with outdoor public art in prairie climates and his ability to weave neighbourhood history into his work.
“This artist has experience with artwork that will weather elements in the Canadian prairies,” Clysdale said. “They’ve built out public art in Saskatoon to tie it to the history of those neighbourhoods, that’s what we were liking about the proposal.”
Councillor Michele Charles Gustafson pushed for more intentionality around what the pieces communicate to the public.
“The best public art creates an expression for that person but also tells the story of the community,” Charles Gustafson said. “If the title wasn’t there, I don’t know if I would have seen wind or water – I just think public art connected to the story is better used than public art just for functional purposes.”
Clysdale agreed to take the question back to the committee to build a stronger interpretive narrative around the installation, and suggested a ribbon-cutting event could help introduce the pieces when they arrive.
Councillor Michael Diachuk said benches and sculpture caught him off guard in the best way.
“I really spent a lot of time looking at this because I found it very intriguing,” Diachuk said. “It disrupted my thought process and that was the part I really liked about it – I went, ‘what the heck,’ and I kept going back to it. Every person will have their own opinion about it, and that’s part of the quality of art.”
Councillor Jim Taylor, who sits on the Public Art Advisory Committee, said selecting durable outdoor sculpture is harder than it looks.
“Art just shows up – you don’t think about it. But you have to have a crane and a load and all these other little details,” Taylor said. “Trying to pick somebody that had some history in building outdoor sculptures like this was a big key factor, knowing that it’s going to be something that’s going to last a long time.”
The $72,000 comes from the Public Art Reserve, which currently sits at $122,670. If the project proceeds as approved, the reserve balance will drop to $50,670.
The engineering assessment for wind load is included in the $72,000 budget. Installation is planned for fall 2026, timed with ongoing work at the Bioclean Aquatic Centre.
