Four unique sculptures inspired by Regina's oldest tree were officially unveiled to the public at Les Sherman Park on Saturday, marking a special moment in the city's history. The artwork pays tribute to a 123-year-old American Elm that was removed from Victoria Park in 2023, serving as a lasting memorial to one of Regina's most significant natural landmarks.
The collaborative art project brought together three students and one professor from the University of Regina, who worked as a team to create and display their meaningful works. The students dedicated approximately three to four weeks to complete the entire creative process, transforming their vision into tangible art pieces that celebrate the legacy of the historic tree.
One of the participating students, Julien Hamon-Fafard, crafted a beaver sculpture as his contribution to the collection. He expressed strong enthusiasm about the chosen location for the artwork display, emphasizing the cultural significance of Les Sherman Park within the community. "I think people naturally want to take care of their environment, and people want a nice environmental living," Hamon-Fafard explained. "This park is a cultural hub for this community and it's a gathering place."
The City of Regina selected Sean Whalley to lead and oversee the entire sculpture project from conception to completion. Whalley praised the enthusiasm and dedication shown by the student artists throughout the collaborative process. "They've expressed to me a lot of excitement about being involved," Whalley noted. "They really enjoy the opportunity to be part of the project and it was really great for me to have some younger, up and coming artists share their ideas and their perspectives on the project with me."
Les Sherman Park was strategically chosen as the permanent home for these four sculptures as part of the city's broader urban forest project initiative. In addition to housing the artistic tributes, the park also features a fifteen-foot-long section of the original oldest tree, creating a comprehensive memorial that combines both natural preservation and artistic interpretation. This thoughtful integration ensures that future generations will be able to connect with Regina's natural heritage while appreciating the creative response it inspired in local artists.
