New sculpture in downtown reflects strength in women: artist

City activists said they hope art can be a catalyst for safer streets.

First Nations artist Will Morin and Ward 12 Coun. Joscelyne Landry-Altmann said they hoped the unveiling of a 15-foot, feminine-based sculpture Thursday evening at the top of the green stairs off of Ste. Anne Road, will do just that.

The sculpture, called Feminine Reality: Strong Woman, reflects the beauty and strength in all women, Morin noted.

“The sculpture is inspired by the simple innocence that all women have. It is a symbol of fertility with all the curves the sculpture has. But it also is a symbol of safety,” he said.

The area in the downtown has been the scene of assaults, including an incident on May 6, 2006 when an older man on crutches was assaulted on the stairwell and left for dead. Thieves took his groceries, cigarettes and $240 in cash, said Landry-Altmann. Residents, especially women, have feared for their safety as a result she added.

“The area had become unmanageable,” she said. As a result, she referred to community efforts, supported by police, nearby schools and ratepayers, to clear brush in the area, install video cameras and landscape the area. The sculpture is the latest addition to that effort to make the site more appealing and safer by increasing community pride and ownership, she said.

“The theme of this sculpture is the strength of women because women are vulnerable here.” The statue was made of recycled playground piping and constructed by women.

Morin referred to the Ojibway belief that all women should be honoured, including the earth itself. That means they should feel safe where they live.

“I have two young daughters myself. Their safety is important to me,” he said.

Future plans for the site include creating murals as a next step towards developing it as a public park. A key component of the beautification efforts has been the involvement of youth from nearby schools.

“The fact that there is art here will encourage traffic and discourage lewd and illegal activity. It will also give ownership to the students and incite them to keep the area clean,” said Landry-Altmann.

For more information, phone Morin at 1-877-248-4133 or e-mail him at [email protected].