The Town of Okotoks has welcomed back a beloved piece of art.
The bronze buffalo head sculpture was repaired and reinstalled on Sept. 16, after it went missing and was found damaged earlier this year.
“Public art is a powerful way to connect people to place,” said Allan Boss, Culture and Heritage Team Leader for the Town of Okotoks. “This sculpture is not only a beautiful work by a world-class artist, but also a symbol of our community’s commitment to reconciliation and community identity. We’re thrilled to see it back where it belongs.”
The sculpture, created by Indigenous artist Rocky Barstad, is in the middle of Westridge Close Park.
Barstad is known for his paintings and bronze sculptures that reflect Indigenous culture and the foothills landscape, a Town of Okotoks media release said.
Returning the sculpture to its home was a true testament of collaboration.
The Town’s Culture and Heritage and Parks departments worked with bronze sculptor Don Begg to complete the repair and reinstallation.
“Their work reflects the town’s ongoing commitment to preserving public art and celebrating our community’s identity,” the release said.