A couple that has drawn international attention to Cochrane for over five decades has become the 15th recipient of the Order of Cochrane.
On Monday night, Don and Shirley Begg of Studio West Bronze Foundry were recognized by Cochrane town council with the highest honour bestowed by the town.
The Beggs have spent the past 55 years creating bronze statues admired by millions around the world. Their combined body of work includes about 160 statues on display across Canada, the United States, Germany, France and other locations. Hundreds of smaller pieces have also been created for private collectors, including nine that are part of Queen Elizabeth II’s royal collection.
Here in town, their work includes the immaculately detailed First World War soldier at the community cenotaph, and the Legacy statue downtown—fondly called “The Chicken Lady” by locals.
When you enter Rogers Place in Edmonton, you come face to face with their iconic Wayne Gretzky statue. They have also created pieces for Parliament Hill, the RCMP headquarters, and, most recently, the Rifleman bronze statue at La Place des Canadiens in Bretteville-l’Orgueilleuse, France, near the beaches of Normandy. That piece was unveiled last year by Princess Anne.
Through it all, they remain steadfast in their love for Cochrane.
“Well, Don was born and raised here. I’ve only been here 62 years,” Shirley said with a laugh. “For many years, I was called the city girl that Donald married, but I haven’t heard that so much lately.”
“Cochrane is our town and we proudly put ‘Made in Cochrane, AB’ on every one of our statues,” she said, a sentiment echoed by Don. “Whether it goes to Tuktoyaktuk in the north or to Uruguay, Britain, France, Belgium—all across Canada—they all say ‘Made in Cochrane, AB.’”
“We pride ourselves that we’ve been here at Studio West for 55 years, and we have no intention of moving,” said Don.
Mayor Jeff Genung thanked the couple for their contributions to the community.
“Don and Shirley’s relentless pursuit of excellence is what makes their legacy so enduring,” said Genung. “Not just the beautiful bronze works that will stand for generations, but the spirit of devotion and perseverance they have given to Cochrane. Their dedication has left a lasting impression on our community, and we are grateful for your service.”
The Beggs have mentored hundreds of emerging artists and created employment for over 60 Cochranites, the mayor noted. They have also pioneered community initiatives, including offering the first early childhood classes and helping to create the town’s first figure skating club.
This honour comes shortly after Don was named to the Order of Alberta—the province’s highest honour.
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Don and Shirley have received the internationally prestigious Diploma di Merito for excellence in bronze sculpture from the University dell’Arti in Parma, Italy.
Their work has also received awards and recognition throughout North America, including from the Art Horizons International Art Competition, Artitudes International Art Competition, Florida Society of Fine Arts International Art Competition, Canadian Society of Landscape Architects, Spokane Western Art Show, Montana’s Western Heritage Artists’ Annual Art Show, Calgary’s Arts Network, and the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Western Art Show.
Don has also received international juried art prizes, including the Lord Stanley’s Gift Monument Project and the Canada Building Trades Monument Project.
Don’t expect the magic to end soon. The couple continue to reside at a cottage in Waiparous, where they first met, and have no intention of retiring.
Presented annually, the Order of Cochrane recognizes individuals whose commitment, vision and leadership have left an enduring legacy within the community. Nominees are put forward by residents and selected by council through a secret ballot process.
Also nominated for the 2024 award were Marina Chabbert, Mona Sylvestre, April Baird, Bill Belsey, Dr. Dennis Fundytus, Terrence Haxton and Karlene Myers.