An Upcycled, Recycled Art Project Sponsored by the City of Richmond Celebrating Life's Second Chances.

DECEMBER 3-22, 2024

City of Richmond SPCA Art Installation

This eco-art installation for the City of Richmond Animal Shelter is a tribute to life's second chances. The artwork transforms a functional street-facing dog run into a place-making park-like setting that celebrates core values of both the City of Richmond and the SPCA. Way-finding - The primary purposes of the artwork is to facilitate way finding. The distinctiveness and scale of the art work, designed to be highly visible at a distance from a moving vehicle, makes for a "can't miss it" experience for visitors to the facility. Place-making - "We recognize that our shelters are part of our communities, and our communities are part of our shelters." --BC SPCA The warmth, uniqueness and individuality of the piece creates a welcoming reception for both visitors and passersby. The distinctive features of the art work will make the site a potential local place-of-pride and art destination with selfies and social media sharing encouraged. Sustainability - 90% of the material from which the piece is constructed is found, upcycled or recycled material including locally-legally sourced driftwood and construction-grade recycled lumber and grass turf. This feature of the artwork makes the piece a highly visible example of the City of Richmond's commitment to sustainability. Press - The distinctive features of the artwork make it an interesting visual for news stories on innovative forward looking practices by the City of Richmond Accessibility and diversity - The installation celebrates highly-relatable universal themes of diverse individuals interacting with animals and nature, which can be appreciated by people of all ages, levels of education and backgrounds. Education and Innovation - QR Codes integrated into the artwork will allow visitors to learn more about the art work, the city of Richmond's initiatives and the animal shelter. Information could take the form of multimedia presentations or web pages highlighting adoption stories, volunteer opportunities, environmental initiatives, etc. The site could be promoted as a destination for school groups seeking a fun interactive multimedia educational experience.

Current Front of Richmond Animal Shelter
Current Front of Richmond Animal Shelter
Pictured with proposed reinforcing posts made form composite decking (recycled wood fibres and non-BPA plastics) supports to strengthen and extend the height of the fence.
Pictured with proposed reinforcing posts made form composite decking (recycled wood fibres and non-BPA plastics) supports to strengthen and extend the height of the fence.
Cut chain link fence (ideally recycled) added to extend height and add shape.
Cut chain link fence (ideally recycled) added to extend height and add shape.
Border made from 100% recycled plastic construction board in the colours of the city of Richmond.
Border made from 100% recycled plastic construction board in the colours of the city of Richmond.
Commercial grade grass turf made from 80% recylced plastic secured to the fence create to create a parklike backdrop
Commercial grade grass turf made from 80% recylced plastic secured to the fence create to create a parklike backdrop
Trees made from found driftwood connected to the supporting structure with construction grade chain link fence hardware and adhesives define the installation
Trees made from found driftwood connected to the supporting structure with construction grade chain link fence hardware and adhesives define the installation
Dog walker represents the people and animals who get a second chance as a result of pet adoption and the volunteers who contribute passion, time and energy to the efforts of the shelter.
Dog walker represents the people and animals who get a second chance as a result of pet adoption and the volunteers who contribute passion, time and energy to the efforts of the shelter.
The parrot stands in for all the birds who are rehomed at the facility and the owl represents the work done on behalf of wild animals
The parrot stands in for all the birds who are rehomed at the facility and the owl represents the work done on behalf of wild animals
The frisbee thrower and dog represent the role animals play in our physical and mental health.
The frisbee thrower and dog represent the role animals play in our physical and mental health.
The rabbits represents the important education and advocacy the shelter does on behalf small animals
The rabbits represents the important education and advocacy the shelter does on behalf small animals
and of course a cat looks down at the wolrd from up high!
and of course a cat looks down at the wolrd from up high!
An Upccycled, Recycled Art Project Sponsored bythe City or Richmond Celebrating Life's Second Chances
An Upccycled, Recycled Art Project Sponsored bythe City or Richmond Celebrating Life's Second Chances
QR codes leading to information about the important work the shelter and the city of Richmond do make the project a possible art destination with a range of educational opportunities about community, lifestyle, animals, sustainability and of course art.
QR codes leading to information about the important work the shelter and the city of Richmond do make the project a possible art destination with a range of educational opportunities about community, lifestyle, animals, sustainability and of course art.
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