A black bear sniffing berries, a playful rendition of the Sechelt waterfront and the 50 shades of green that make up Smuggler Cove’s waterfront, were the themes chosen to enhance three BC Hydro equipment boxes dotting downtown Sechelt.
The art wraps are part of BC Hydro’s Decorative Wrap Program, which provides an opportunity for municipal governments and other applicable groups to improve the visual aesthetics of a neighbourhood by installing colourful art work on Hydro-owned boxes.
Located at the corner of Trail Avenue and Ebbtide Street in Sechelt, artist Helen Eady created “Black Bearries,” a cheerful ode to the berry loving black bears that frequent the district.
On Wharf Avenue out front of the ambulance station, you can’t miss the bright greens and blues of Jana Curll’s, “A Stroll Through Sechelt,” complete with animated float plans, boats, trees and jelly fish.
Meanwhile, “Smugglers Cove Shoreline,” by photographer Shel Neufeld, located on Inlet Avenue near Capilano University Sunshine Coast Campus, brings the flora, fauna and waterfront of Smuggler Cove to life.
Previous projects in other areas have included high-traffic or visible areas such as town centres, parks, commercial districts and civic squares. The program aligns with the District of Sechelt’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan with the sixth key priority, Fostering a Vibrant Downtown Core, with a goal to help enhance the community’s visual landscape.
Artists are selected from the district’s artist roster and are paid a design fee for their artwork. BC Hydro offers grant funding for a portion of the art wrap and the district’s annual public art operating budget covers the remaining costs, which include supplies, installation and artist fee.
