Burlington, Ont. – Dec. 8, 2015— The City of Burlington, through its Public Art Program, has selected Lilly Otasevic’s design proposal, Crescendo (Rising Wave) for the Aldershot Village public art piece.
“This proposal best met the goals of the project as it provides a highly visible and welcoming landmark to the street,” said the jury’s statement. “This sculpture will draw in pedestrians and create a natural meeting place on Plains Road. The theme of Crescendo links together the past, present and future of Aldershot Village. The term crescendo in music represents a gradual increase in loudness; a buildup to reach a point of great intensity. This reflects the change and development that has occurred in Aldershot Village over the years and is still continuing today. The sculpture’s contemporary design is forward looking and will fit into the revitalized streetscape of Plains Road.”
Artist Selection
A community jury comprised of residents, local artists and business owners met to review the artist applications for the project. The jury selected Otasevic’s proposal from three artists’ preliminary concepts, which were displayed for public feedback in the fall. Nearly 120 residents provided comments on the proposals, which helped guide the jury’s decision-making process.
“The sculpture’s converging and diverging shape represents a hub of activity in the community,” said Otasevic. “These characteristics serve to represent a contemporary as well as an historical context of Aldershot Village. The wave shape reflects connection to the lake in the neighborhood, water as an essential vehicle for initial progress of this community, and ultimately the connection to the Alex Brown’s wharf where it all began.”
About the Artist
Born and raised in Serbia, Yugoslavia, Lilly Otasevic completed a program at the High School of Industrial Design in Belgrade and a Masters degree in painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Belgrade. Otasevic moved to Canada in 1994 and has since participated in many group exhibitions in Canada, the United States and the Middle East. Otasevic’s main body of work includes sculptural projects that focus on environmental themes. She lives and works in Toronto, Ont.
For more information about Otasevic, visit www.lillyotasevic.net
Community Fundraising and Budget
More than $65,000 was raised for this project in a joint effort between the City of Burlington, Branthaven Homes and the Aldershot BIA. Spurred by a $25,000 contribution from the City of Burlington public art program, the project has received donations from Branthaven Homes ($20,000), the BIA ($5,000), the Plains Road Village Vision fund ($10,000), residents and local businesses.
The commission value for this project is $50,000. Additional funds will go towards short-listed artist fees, the Public Art Maintenance Fund, community consultation, signage and other project expenses.
About the Public Art Program
The mission of the City of Burlington’s Public Art Program is to enhance the quality of life in Burlington through art. The program strives to bring artwork by both established and emerging artists throughout Burlington.
For more information, visit www.burlington.ca/culture and www.burlingtonpublicart.com.
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