There’s more to a beautiful community than trees, landscapes, a river running through it and the Canadian Rockies to the west. Beauty also comes from the art within the community - some of it from the hands and minds of its citizens. The Town of Okotoks is giving citizens the opportunity to discuss public art Saturday with a public art conversation and tour. It’s a chance to review the public art in our area — ranging from the river nymph near the Sheep River behind the library to the spectacular, dignified Salute to Our Veterans Wall on Veterans Way. Public art can be hit and miss, that’s why it is key to have public consultation in place. Look at the past uproar concerning that huge blue ring as one drives to the Calgary airport from Okotoks. The $470,000 Travelling Light even drew criticism from Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi back in 2014. That’s not to say public art can’t have an edge. Not everyone has to love a piece. As long as it is not offensive and adds to the landscape, there is nothing wrong with art that results in discussion. Otherwise Okotoks may become a land of murals with dogs playing poker. For future public art, it would be nice if the art came from the Okotoks public. Hopefully, Okotoks area artists can be given a higher priority. The artistic talent pool is deep in the area. Work from those artists in the area is strong enough, so that it will not compromise the integrity of the community. There’s no fear of having the community looking like the fridge door filled with loved ones’ art because of trying to get the Okotoks art home based. Art can not only be about the community, it can be created by the community. And Okotokians can help make their community as pretty as a picture starting with Saturday’s conversation.
