Public art is interwoven throughout Sage Creek to create a lasting impact to both its visitors and residents. It is used to enrich our streetscapes and is a powerful tool that can make a space exciting by creating new experiences.
With multi-functionality, spaces with public art can encourage people to connect with their neighbours and engage with their environment. Similarly, public art can boost your mood and inspire creativity. By placing public art near our Village Centre, it can also aid in attracting attention to our local businesses.
Public art is a way for artists to share stories, history or to raise awareness. Public art enhances our community by serving as distinctive landmarks which cultivate an identity.
Each of Sage Creek’s art pieces encompass a variety of these benefits.
Village Centre art
Sky Spirit, also known as the Aurora, is a striking feature located in Sage Creek’s Village Centre plaza. Designed by local artist Darren Sakwi, this contemporary piece is constructed of stainless steel and incorporates rotating LED lights that bounce off of the ribbon-like structure. Creating a floating appearance – similar to the aurora borealis! Sky Spirit’s surrounding plaza is landscaped with seating and provides gathering opportunities for special events.
Take a stroll down Burning Glass Road in the north commercial area to see L’Hivernant and the Burning Glass. Created by local artist David MacNair with assistance from his friend and fellow artist Barry Bonham, this piece depicts an early period voyageur with some of his essential equipment including paddles, canoe, fire bag and packs.
Traffic circle art
Many of Sage Creek’s distinct public art pieces are located in the centre of traffic circles which help to establish wayfinding patterns. The Four Winds was Sage Creek’s first traffic circle art piece and was originally designed by the artist Réal Bérard, inspired by the poem The Four Winds by local poet Jim Talossi. It was originally installed in Whiteshell Provincial Park, constructed of sheet metal and located close to the Alfred Hole Goose Sanctuary.
Bérard has since designed several versions in snow for the Ottawa Winterlude Festival, Carnival de Quebec, Festival du Voyageur as well as the Yellowknife Snow King Festival. However, with Bérard’s blessing, local artist David MacNair reincarnated the theme with his design made from corten steel. The 16.5-foot high sculpture is located on the traffic circle at Boulevard des Hivernants and Sage Creek Boulevard. It serves as a tribute to birds flying on the directional winds.
Flight is Sage Creek’s second stunning traffic circle landmark that was also created by artist David MacNair and assisted by artist and friend Barry Bonham. The 15-foot tall and 20-foot wide corten steel sculpture of Canada Geese is located at the intersection of Des Hivernants Boulevard and Edward Turner Drive. Its inspiration derives from geese taking flight and forming their classic V formation to begin their seasonal migration.
Living art
The willow tunnel is a living art piece made of a variety of weeping willows that climb and spread along a metal structure. This enchanting feature provides shelter and shade, as well as a place to explore and play! Find the willow tunnel in the nature trail dry pond just north of Tallgrass Crescent, between the Hydro Corridor and Des Hivernants Boulevard.
Along with the willow tunnel, limestone stepping stones and stepping logs can be found within Sage Creek’s trails. These elements create a dynamic landscape where residents can interact with natural play components.
Entry features and trail markers
WINNIPEG, MB: AUGUST 1, 2009 – SAGE CREEK
Photographs may be used by Qualico Group for print media or web promotional or advertising purposes, Qualico web site and any related in-house newsletters or publications without any time restrictions. Photographs may not be resold or otherwise given away. Marianne Helm to keep copyright of said photographs. Reprints for personal use are permitted. Any further usage to be negotiated.
(Photo by Marianne Helm 204-999-7728)
The entry features in Sage Creek welcome visitors into the community. Nicknamed as monoliths, these structures appear as tall stone pillars with the name Sage Creek etched into them. With three in total, they are located along Lagimodiere Boulevard at Bishop Grandin Boulevard, Sage Creek Boulevard and Warde Avenue to create striking landmarks.
Trail markers can be found throughout Sage Creek’s network of trails. Similar to the entrance features, the trail marker design mimics their natural surroundings and are displayed as stone pillars with the name Sage Creek Trail engraved into them.
Whether you live here or are just passing through, the next time you’re in Sage Creek, be sure to take a moment to appreciate your surroundings. Take a deep breath of fresh air, listen to the songbirds along our trails and naturalized wetlands or stop and admire a piece of art in the growing community.
