Brandon Riverbank Inc shared today that work is expected to soon begin on another major planned piece of a revitalized riverbank area.
As part of a planned sculpture garden to be created on site, bronze sculptor Peter Sawatzky will create an initial centrepiece sculpture titled âThe Seal River Crossing.â The sculpture, similar to another at Winnipegâs Portage and Main intersection, is described in a handout distributed to media today as depicting eleven caribou crossing Northern Canadaâs Seal River with the first three starting to claim out of the river.
"The Seal River Crossing" (submitted)
The garden is to be created North and West of the Riverbank Discovery Centre, eventually featuring walkways and a wildflower garden alongside further creations of the artist.
The Seal River Crossing sculpture is planned for a late-fall reveal, upon which time a goal has been set for $350,000 in fundraising to have taken place. Further fundraising is to take place to fund additional future sculptures to the garden. Contributions in support may be made via Brandon Riverbank/the Riverbank Discovery Centre
The Sommerfield, Manitoba-raised Sawatzkyâs previous local work, a deer and fawn sculpture, can be seen on-site in the area of Festival Park. The artist is also responsible for the blue heron statue in front of the Discovery Centre building.
Also planned by the Spring is the upcoming Westman Dreams for Kids Accessiblity Park, to be constructed opposite of the Riverbankâs current childrenâs play structure. Both additions follow in the footsteps of last yearâs debut of Festival Park as the area moves forward with its "Back to the River" master plan.