The unveiling of an impressive sculpture took place today at Simplot Central Park in Portage la Prairie. Located near the new skate park, it stands at a staggering height, making it the largest piece of its kind in Portage.
Artist Kevin McKenzie built the sculpture and explained that it all began eight months ago.
"I was approached by Stefanie Dunn from the Portage Public Art Committee. One thing led to another, and we had to go through the design stage once the commission was confirmed. That stage took a lot of effort on my part because I was essentially the one coming up with a sculpture that could represent Portage la Prairie. It was important that the piece reflected a dedication to truth and reconciliation. So, I started working on the design, building a couple of maquettes, and presented them to Miles Haukeness, the manager at Kansteel Mfg Inc."
He added that he has now worked with Kansteel Mfg twice, the first time being when he fabricated a sculpture for Brandon University. McKenzie says he’s confident working with the company.
"In terms of artistic direction, I worked closely with Stefanie, and the piece is very much a collaboration. The sculpture has actually been ready for about two months, so it feels a bit anticlimactic now. The installation happened last Thursday, and that was a very emotional moment for me. Seeing the piece upright was like my own personal unveiling as the artist. That's when the impact of the work really hit me—especially the scale of it. It's monumental. The size makes you feel something. I wouldn’t say I felt intimidated, but it’s definitely a bit overwhelming to see a giant sculpture that you created."
McKenzie outlined the concept behind the project, which includes a power arc in the silhouette of an eagle's skull, giving it the title 'Eagle Arc'. He explained that this aspect was meant to embody the power and strength of the eagle while also serving as a dedication to Truth and Reconciliation for Portage la Prairie.
"It’s for the community, and I hope it functions as a healing piece that opens up conversations about reconciliation. Generally, sculptures are meant to be experienced. Everyone’s going to have a different response based on their social and cultural background. Some people will appreciate it right away; for others, it might take a little more time. But I think this piece is quite accessible because it's abstract yet also has a figurative element with the eagle skull. That mix makes it easier for people to connect with."
Stefanie Dunn, chair of the Public Art Committee and executive director of the Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce, noted that several things came to fruition today that had been in the works for a long time—for the public art committee, the City of Portage la Prairie, and the region, particularly in terms of Truth and Reconciliation.
"This is by far one of the most impressive public art installations in the surrounding area, not just in stature but in significance. We’re so honoured and pleased to have brought this to our community, and we hope everyone comes out to experience it. People will take something different from it, and that’s the beauty of art."
She explained that the project began when the Public Art Committee received a directive from City Council to create a significant public art installation using the remaining funds from the Portage and Area Beautification Initiative.
"That conversation started about five years ago. We considered different ideas and proposals, and Kevin McKenzie's spoke to us the most—it resonated with the community, and we felt it had the greatest significance. This has been years in the making, and we’re so proud to present it now."
Dunn noted that they worked closely with the City of Portage regarding the sculpture’s location, and Simplot Central Park was recommended because the city felt it would have the strongest impact.
City Planning and Economic Development Committee chair Preston Meier, who is also a member of the Portage Public Art Committee, added that the unveiling was "absolutely amazing." He said he was happy not just to represent the City and Mayor, but also the citizens of Portage and the Public Art Committee.
"Back in 2008, the Portage Beautification Initiative granted their leftover legacy funds to the Public Art Committee to help create public art pieces around the city. We’ve worked hard over the last five years, and we ultimately chose Kevin McKenzie's piece for several reasons. One major reason was its connection to Truth and Reconciliation. We were honoured to have Kevin, a renowned artist from Brandon and Brandon University, work on this project. We believe this is one of the most substantive public art pieces in Portage la Prairie and the region."
Meier noted that the artwork fits perfectly with the city's strategic plan to beautify public spaces while also supporting Truth and Reconciliation.
"We gathered today to dedicate it, and we’re very proud of what’s been achieved. I also want to thank the Public Art Committee, led by our chair Stefanie Dunn, along with members like Loran Knight, Roberta Christensen, and Rachel Templeton for their hard work over the years to bring this project to life."
The special steel used for its construction was A588 Corten Steel Plate is a weathering steel with excellent corrosion resistance to the elements. The elevated levels of copper produces a self healing characteristic that produces a natural red oxide patina look. This weathering grade steel is often used in unpainted applications such as bridges because of its reduced maintenance cost and long-life durability.
