The work of long-time Orillia artist Robert Doan has been selected to be a focal point of the new Habitat Garden at Tudhope Park.
Doan’s unique sculpture was the winning entry in a competition administered by the City of Orillia’s Art in Public Places Committee.
“The jury was compelled by the literal and figurative imagery of (Doan’s) piece,” said Valerie Powell, a member of the committee and a member of the jury that selected the winner.
In announcing the winner on Monday night at a virtual city council committee meeting, Powell noted Doan’s work is made of zinc-coated sheet metal that will be durable and be able to withstand the elements.
In describing the sculpture, Powell said “the six monarch butterflies fluttering together (will) form their own bloom” in the garden and will be a focal point of the area between the park’s entrance off Atherley Road and the Kids for Turtles building.
The sculpture will stand approximately six feet tall and will be securely anchored below the ground.
Coun. Tim Lauer applauded the choice.
“He is a long-time Orillian and it’s going to be really nice to see a piece of his work in a public place,” said Lauer.
The Art in Public Places Committee put out a formal call for artists on June 29, inviting artists from Orillia, Rama First Nation and the townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn to submit proposals.
Seven submissions were received. The jury developed a short-list of three, who “moved to an interview phase,” Powell explained.
Doan was “the consensus choice” as the winning entry.
The city will be working with the site contractor in the coming weeks to install the footings for the sculpture.
Officials are hoping for a fall install of the new work of art, but weather issues could push the installation to the spring.
As part of the 2020 budget, money was approved to create a butterfly and bee habitat garden at Tudhope Park and $5,000 was set aside for the creation of a themed public art installation.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Doan is a local sculptor that works with metal, creating custom decorative pieces for commercial enterprises and residential properties.
He studied material arts and sculpture at the Ontario College of Art and Design and graduated from the welding course at Humber College. He taught welding at Georgian College when the Orillia Campus first opened in the 1980s.
Over the years, Doan has married his skill as a welder and visual artist to create compelling works of art for private and public commissions.
