Art will no longer be removed in town south of Calgary

The removal of art along the Sheep River has drawn much attention from the community.

In light of local artist Gordon Mackey being told by the Town of Okotoks to remove his public art, Mayor Tanya Thorn addressed the situation through a Facebook video.

Mackey had put up over 100 sculptures along the Sheep River parkways in Okotoks over the last two years, and took many down after receiving a “formal request” from the Town to do so.

In her statement, Thorn shared that Mackey’s art will remain along the Heritage Parkway, and that the Town is working to develop a program “to showcase local artists’ work in select park and pathway locations throughout the community” in consultation with Mackey.

“The attitude was very good. I am pleased with the thoughts presented at the meeting, and feel that the town is basically on side with what I have done,” said Mackey.

Thorn hopes that those in favour of and against the artwork will agree that this is “an equitable solution for all of those involved,” and that the new program will welcome other artists to display their art alongside Mackey’s.

“The Town values and supports all of our local artists, who enrich the community with their creativity and vision,” said Thorn.

“While the Town’s intentions to have the artist remove his artwork was aligned to comply with current town bylaws and was in response to concerns expressed by the community, I acknowledge that we could have handled this better.”

Further details on the upcoming art program will be shared by the Town.

The mayor’s statement is available on her Facebook page.

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