Public Art
Orangeville's growing collection of public art demonstrates the talents of our local artisans. Throughout town, you’ll find surprising but authentic installations that amplify the creative vibe of our community.
The popular tree sculpture program includes over 40 pieces, each with its own character and charm. Functional utility boxes have been transformed into colourful displays of original works created by local artists. On a larger-scale, you can’t miss the glorious Mantis Queen or the stately sculpture of Orange Lawrence, our Town’s founder. Historic images and colourful murals round out the collection.
You can discover the location and story behind each piece using our digital guide or download the free mobile Driftscape app to explore on the go. For our pick of the must-see stops, follow one of our self-guided walking tours. Continue reading below for details about some of the more prominent pieces.
Tree Sculptures
Artists from across Ontario have used imagination and skill to transform local trees into sturdy pieces of art. Our unique collection of tree sculptures features a variety of subjects. You’ll find animals, people, characters, and creatures intricately carved and proudly displayed throughout the community. Some were created to tell a story or commemorate a moment. Others showcase an artist’s favourite style or theme. But they all add an element of creativity to your visit to Orangeville and entice you to discover the whole collection.
Utility Box Art Displays
Functional utility boxes throughout Orangeville have been transformed into colourful pieces of art, animating intersections and creating conversations. The program was initiated in 2016 to promote the work of local artists while enhancing public spaces with colour and creativity. New locations are added regularly through an annual Call for Artists, which is open to artists residing in Dufferin County.
The Mantis Queen
The Mantis Queen is a large-scale sculpture located in front of the Visitor Information Centre. Standing at seven metres and weighing a ton, the interactive sculpture has a commanding presence with arms that spin and rotate in the breeze.
Designed and created by award-winning artist Ron Baird, the Mantis Queen was commissioned for a private residence in Dufferin County. When the sculpture’s owner moved to Orangeville, the piece was donated anonymously to the Town of Orangeville and located to this property in the spring of 2017.
The location of the Mantis Queen at the edge of the Credit Valley Conservation area was considered ideal due to the complementary natural environment, proximity to Island Lake, and the ability to provide easy and safe public viewing access. Building on the generosity of the sculpture’s original owner, Glen Echo Nurseries created the habitat for the Mantis Queen, donating all landscaping materials and labour.
Bravery Park Statue
The centrepiece at Orangeville’s Bravery Park is a bronze statue of a Canadian soldier kneeling before two Afghan children who are presenting him with a butterfly. Created by local artists Donna Pascoe and Peter Turrell, the piece took many hours to conceptualize, and received input from different parties, including Canadian soldiers themselves.
Through the kneeling posture of the soldier and the kindness of his expression, the statue is intended to show the compassion that our soldiers are renowned for. The butterfly offered by the children is a Giant Swallowtail which signifies new beginnings brought about by change and transformation, in purity and wisdom.
In creating the model for the statue of a Canadian soldier in Afghanistan, Ms. Pascoe says she tried to imagine the thoughts and feelings that soldiers and citizens must have struggled with every day. “There had to be issues of duty, trust and fear. In the end, I chose to show a compassionate human side reflected in the heartfelt exchange between two children and the kind soldier kneeling in front of them.”
The statue is mounted in the centre of a Canadian Victoria Cross; the highest and most prestigious award of the Canadian honours system; awarded for valour, self-sacrifice, or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.
