The People’s Choice winner in Oak Bay’s annual arts event is a whale of a tale featuring a work created by a Greater Victoria artist and his sons.
As part of Arts Alive program, Oak Bay Parks, Recreation and Culture installs sculptures – sponsored by individuals and businesses and on loan by the artists – across the community.
Each summer, art enthusiasts vote for a favourite, also putting it in front of Oak Bay council as a potential purchase.
The sculptures – this year’s theme is Beyond the Surface – remain on display outdoors in the community through April with a map available at Oak Bay recreation centres and online.
In 2024, 700 people cast votes between July and November and the 72-inch-tall Megaptera, crafted by Nathan Smith alongside sons Cyrus, 17 and Sabian, 14, earned the People’s Choice award.
Inspired by this year’s theme, the humpback whale tail invites viewers to go “Beyond the Surface” to play with concepts of perception and what lies beyond their vision. The tail has a structural armature made of pipe and solid bar with a skin made of a patchwork of steel plate. This gives the piece its unique texture and overall mechanical/industrial esthetic. It will remain in Haynes Park until April.
Runners-up were Harmony Unveiled, created by Tarcila Neves, and Fine created by Lisa Huth.
A volunteer committee of community leaders, artists, and residents chose the People’s Choice winner from these three top-ranking nominees receiving the most votes.
Arts Alive, now in its ninth year, has showcased 82 works with 13 past sculptures now part of the Oak Bay permanent art collection.
