Motorists using the intersection of Highways 16 and 37 in Thornhill July 19 got a first glimpse of the art installation Su-gigyet as it was carefully being positioned in the centre of the roundabout.
The product of more than a year of work by master carver Stan Bevan and two other artists, Kobe Antoine and Brian McKee, the centrepiece is of carved human figures enveloped in salmon-like metal figures created by Mike Sorochan.
Surrounding Su-gigyet are six large carved salmon made by wood artist Roderick Brown.
Su-gigyet is a Sm鈥檃lgyax (Tsimshian) name meaning 鈥榥ew people' which was provided by the late Mel Bevan, a senior Kitselas First Nations land claims negotiator who was Stan Bevan's father.
The installation is sponsored by the Skeena Salmon Arts Festival Society through a $677,049 provincial grant.
Su-gigyet is being regarded by the society not only as a representation of the region's growing arts reputation but also as a step toward reconciliation through art.
A more formal installation ceremony is planned in September.
Included in the project is a viewing area complete with interpretative signs in the parking lot overlooking the roundabout.
