The sculpture garden at Altona's Gallery in the Park has grown by one piece due to the generosity of Friesens. The business's sponsorship led to the unveiling of Equilibre Oblique by Quebec artist Philippe Pallafray during Thursday evening's second season Friends of the Gallery opening gala.
This is the first sculpture to be added to the grounds since Elena Bulatova's Cubic-Rubik in June 2022.
"We are so excited to finally be adding another one to our sculpture garden, seeing it grow, especially one of this size," shared Gallery in the Park Manager and Curator Renae Friesen. "He (Pallafray) focuses on geometric shapes and angles, and he talks about how there's the strength of Japanese origami and that he tries to reflect that through his sculptures. I think he nails it with that piece."
When asked what comes to mind when she views the piece, Friesen draws comparisons to one of the most famous sculptures in North America.
"I find it very intriguing," she said. "Obviously, the sense of balance is very evident when you look at it. I think that adds to the intrigue that people see additionally with the reflective silver ball. It's reminiscent of Cloud Gate in Chicago, The Bean as people know it. You see your reflection in it, and that just really adds to the intrigue when you approach the piece."
Thankful for support
Friesen expressed her gratefulness to Friesens for their sponsorship, and the company's overall support for Gallery in the Park.
"Without them, the Gallery wouldn't exist," she noted. "It's amazing to see them continuously put themselves in for us, and encourage us to cultivate these spaces within Altona for the arts."
Another sculpture to be added soon?
And after a three year break between installations, Friesen announced Thursday night another sculpture will be added to the garden in 2026.
"I can't say what it is yet, but it has been chosen," she said with a smile. "It's in the works, and there will be more info coming about that at some point, so we're excited to see it."
Gallery in the Park, including the Schwartz House and sculpture garden, are open Tuesday through Sunday. You can find hours and more details, here.