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"Children of Peace" by Jock Hildebrand

Sculptures on the Westside and in Westbank, BC

It all started a few years ago with an International Sculpture Symposium, held throughout the Okanagan Valley and stretching up to Kamloops. A host of artists arrived from as far away as China, Japan, Peru, Italy and Austria. They sculpted as the public watched, in Osoyoos, Penticton, Summerland, Westbank, Kelowna, Lake Country, Vernon, and Kamloops. They left behind numerous monumental sculptures made of bronze, granite, marble and wood.

Where did it all begin? Right here in Westbank. Local artist Jock Hildebrand was at the centre. He’d attended similar events in other places, and believed along with other Okanagan Valley residents that such a symposium could bring a group of exciting artists both local and international to the Valley, and that they’d leave some magnificent calling cards behind. The

"Ogopogo" by Dwayne Rauser

undertaking was controversial and fraught with challenges, but “OTISS”- the Okanagan Thompson International Sculpture Symposium of 2002 - gave the valley many significant works of art, and remarkable memories.

Later, there was an impetus to again invite artists to work in the valley, concentrating on a community that supported the sculptors so warmly - our own Westside.

Sculptors went to work on two occasions, and the public can see the results in a variety of locations. Here, to the best of our knowledge, is a list of the sculpture locations. We are in the process of learning more, and when we confirm titles and artists we will let you know.

"Walks Softly on Earth" by Ken Blackburn with Tom Howe (OTISS), Jock Hildebrand, and Gary Athans

Announcement! OTISS Sculpture Placement at the "Cove" Westbank

Otiss is pleased to announce that the sculptures created at the 2003 - 2005 "Sculptures on Main" events have found a new and permanent home at The Cove Lakeside Resort in Westbank where they can be viewed and appreciated by local residents and tourists alike.

Visitors are welcome to walk along the waterway to enjoy the view and see these sculptures.

"The Cove Lakeside Resort lifts the sculptures into a great setting. They were professionally set by Jock Hildebrand and the landscape engineers." - Tom Howe (OTISS)

A Mini-tour of Westside Sculptures - How Many Can You Find?

"The Boy's Dream" by Graham Pettman

Note: Sculptures may be removed for cleaning or repair or exchanged with other sculptures - so we can't be sure that this list will stay up to date.

1. "The Boy's Dream" by artist Graham Pettman presents many different images and symbols from family and native life. This fascinating sculpture is located at the entrance of The Cove Lakeside Resort

2. Artist Dwayne Rauser, from British Columbia, created “Ogopogo” from marble, which is now located at The Cove Lakeside Resort in Westbank. This stunning carving was completed in three weeks using diamond saws, pneumatic chisels, and hand chisels.

3. Also located at The Cove Lakeside Resort, Ken Blackburn, from Montreal, has created “Walks Softly on Earth (for you walk on the bones of my ancestors)”. This sculpture, part of the 2004 Sculpture Symposium is carved from marble, "addressing the notion that history is a multi-cultural experience and a process deserving respect" - from the artist's website.

   "Bellows from Hephaestus Forge" by Leta Shores

4. From a beautifully-marked piece of white and grey marble, Lynden Beesley created "The Sleeper Awakens", curled up alongside Okanagan Lake at The Cove Lakeside Resort. Imagine the seed which comes to life and becomes a tree.

5. When the winds blow across the lake, they catch the face on "Bellows from Hephaestus Forge" by Oliver artist, Leta Shores. For fun, read about Hephaeustus (a Greek God) before you go.

6. At the Westbank Community Centre is Ken Blackburn’s striking “Urban Totem” (also known as "Community Pole") created in 2003. "It symbolizes, through the materials of wood, stone and rope, the collective integration of community dynamics." - from the artist's website.

   "Urban Totem" by Ken Blackburn

7. When driving from Peachland to Westbank, you can't miss the smiling faces on Dobbin Road, in front of Interior Savings. Jock Hildebrand in 2002 created the bronze children’s faces set in fabulous etched marble and named it “Children of Peace.”

8. Across the street in front of the Remax offices on Main Street is a whimsical marble sculpture, whose creator we will confirm for you as soon as possible.

Two of the sculptors whose work may be seen locally:

"The Sleeper Awakens" by Lynden Beesley

LYNDEN BEESLEY grew up in the English Surrey country-side where she developed a love for art from an early age. Lynden’s work represents a personal exploration of culture and identity and this duality is reflected in her paintings, printing makings and sculptures. She participated in the 2003 sculpture symposium ‘Sculpture on Main’ and in 2005 with the Kelowna Sculptors Network Centennial Project “Connecting Links." Her paintings are exhibited across the Okanagan. She lives in Kelowna, British Columbia, and one of her scupltures rests near the lake shore along Gellatly Road in Westbank, close to a small wooden bridge along the walkway.

"Children of Peace" by Jock Hildebrand

JOCK HILDEBRAND sculptor, painter, art historian, editor-in-chief of SculpturesPacific magazine. He has participated in international sculpture symposiums and has spare headed several public art projects in the Okanagan. In 2005 he participated in the Sculpture Festival in Okotoks. His public art sculptures are located in China, Vietnam, Kelowna, Westbank and Calgary and his paintings are in private collections in North America and Europe. He lives in Westbank, British Columbia, and his large bronze and marble work, "Children of Peace", is located near the Interior Savings Credit Union on Dobbin (also known as Highway 97 going toward Kelowna) near Elliot Road.

This whimsical marble sculpture can be found on Main Street, Westbank. We are still trying to determine the artist.