Public art at Pickering Museum Village celebrates area’s natural history

The days are long past when the salmon were so plentiful in Pickering’s rivers and creeks one could “walk across their backs during spawning season” but those legends still live on through an interactive sculpture unveiled earlier this month called ‘On The Backs of Fish.”

Sculpture creator Bluff Studios shared the story at the unveiling, which was followed by a release of more than 100 salmon fry into Duffins Creek by Sustainable Pickering, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

‘On The Backs of Fish,’ which depicts swimming salmon, had its public debut at Pickering Museum Village June 7. The sculpture, created by Sean Procyk and Sarah Fuller of Bluff Studios, offers a tribute to the rich natural history and ecology of the local landscape.

“Public art in the City of Pickering plays an essential role in reflecting our community’s identity, history, and values,” said Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe. “The generous funding from the Government of Canada has allowed us to celebrate our past, inspire our future, and bring our community together.”

On The Backs of Fish” was made possible through the federal Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Legacy Fund, and the Community Foundation of Canada’s Healthy Communities Initiative.

“On the Backs of Fish’ is a community piece that will encourage all generations to come and explore the shores of Lake Ontario in Pickering. Our government is proud to invest … in a space that will bring people together while also prioritizing engagement with our rich outdoor spaces,” shared Jennifer O’Connell, the Pickering-Uxbridge MPP.

To learn more about the work visit pickering.ca/publicart.