[mersar]

Heres the full media release on the new art:

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CITYBEAT - CITY OF CALGARY PRESS RELEASE
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Alderman Druh Farrell, Calgary Transit and the Public Art Program/Civic Art Collection today unveiled two new bronze bear sculptures located on the 7th Avenue Transit corridor.

The sculptures, located on 7th Avenue at 3rd Street East and 9th Street West, add a playful feel to the prominent transit corridor and are part of The City of Calgary’s goal to enhance and beautify Downtown Calgary.

“As part of the 7th Avenue LRT Refurbishment and Beautification project, this is a positive step towards having a more visually-appealing, pedestrian-friendly transit corridor,” states Alderman Farrell. “These are stunning pieces of art and will certainly add to the beauty of our city.”

Created by Canadian artist Leo Mol, the “Playful Cubs” sculpture measures 28” h x 57” w x 36”d and the “Twin Bears” sculpture measures 54” h x 65” w x 51” d. Mol is the only Canadian artist inducted into the National Sculpture Society of America and has carried out commissions of world figures such as Pope John Paul II, Dwight D. Eisenhower and John Diefenbaker. Mol’s work can be found in permanent collections around the world. He was awarded the Order of Manitoba and was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.

“Leo Mol is no longer actively producing work so we are pleased to be able to acquire these pieces,” says Sheila Perry, superintendent of The City of Calgary's Public Art Program. “He is one of Canada’s most prominent realist
sculptors and the addition of these sculptures into The City of Calgary’s Civic Art Collection will enable Calgarians to experience the work of this outstanding Canadian artist on their daily commute.”

7th Avenue is located near the geographic centre of Downtown Calgary and has functioned for many years as the central east-west spine for transit services.

I'll have to see if I can grab a shot of the other on my way down to the beltline offices tomorrow.