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‘Birds’ land on parkade fence across the river from Surrey

New piece among the largest public art installations in the region, says City of New West
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A view of the new “Birds on a Branch” art on the Front Street parkade in New Westminster. (submitted photo)

One of region’s newest and largest pieces of public art has landed on a structure across the river from Surrey.

Woven into chain-link fence, “Birds on a Branch” is located on the Front Street parkade in New Westminster.

The commissioned work, by artists Jacqueline Metz and Nancy Chew, depicts a flock of songbirds resting on branches.

In a news release, the City of New Westminster calls it a “playful counterpoint to the industrial façade of the Front Street parkade.

“The chain-link fence canvas is approximately 660 feet long (by) 25 feet high, making it one of the largest public art installations in the region.”

The official opening of “Birds on a Branch” will be on July 7 at 5 p.m. at the Front Street Mews, as part of the city’s inaugural Fridays on Front event.

The art project has been in the planning for the past couple of years, according to a report in the New Westminster Record.

“New Westminster has always supported local artists, our creative sectors, and worked to elevate our city’s reputation as a leading arts and cultural destination,” stated Mayor Johnathan X. Coté. “As we look toward fulfilling New Westminster’s Riverfront Vision, which aims to connect people to the riverfront, ‘Birds on a Branch’ serves as a unique and exciting destination which will draw residents and visitors alike.”

Added Mary Trentadue, a city councillor in New West and also a member of the city’s public art advisory committee: “The City of New Westminster has been working towards transformation of our riverfront over the past few years and this art installation is an important part in bringing back a sense of place and creativity to an area of our downtown that has been overlooked for years. I am very proud to see this project realized and look forward to this flock of birds joining the neighbourhood.”

tom.zillich@surreynowleader.com



Tom Zillich

About the Author: Tom Zillich

I cover entertainment, sports and news stories for the Surrey Now-Leader, where I've worked for more than half of my 30-plus years in the newspaper business.
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