Public Art Registry
Mosaic Creek
Photo: Barbara Cole
Mosaic Creek - photo by Barbara Cole
Charles Street & McLean Drive
McLean Park / Mosaic Creek Park
Mosiac path runs diagonally through park
Community
1996
Frost-proof tile, pebbles, grout
Mosaic
In place
City of Vancouver
Mosaic Creek
Description of work
Mosaic Creek is a large mosaic in the shape of a creek made up of approximately 260 individual mosaics, each made by an individual or group of individuals. There are 3 separate sections of mosaic tile: the largest is approx. 80' long and varies in width and shape, the other two sections are approx. 10' long and 2 to 2.5' wide. The mosaics, set on a concrete base, are flush with the ground and flat across the surface, symbolically representing the surface of water. The park also includes a herb garden with a mosaic border designed by Glen Andersen and Marina Szijarto and wooden benches and a basalt pillar play area designed by Sarah White.
Artist statement
The idea for this project came from the initial public design process for the park itself. (A group called Britiannia Neighbours formed to organize a public design process and to fundraise for the park.) During the design process there were a number of ideas related ot water, none of which turned out to be feasible. Therefore, a symbolic representation was proposed - a mosaic creek. The intent was to involve as many community members as possible in making an art project which whould symbolize the notion of contributing one's individual expression and at the same time being part of a larger whole. There was no official theme or requirements except material specifications, I.e., frost-proof tile, type of glue, and spacing of tiles for grout allowance during installation. Approx. 500 people participated in the project (over 4,000 volunteer hours!).
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