White Rock Public Art
Reflecting our community's co-created sense of place rooted in a land with thousands of years of history.
Our City by the Salish Sea has no shortage of wonderful art experiences for visitors and residents to enjoy. See the entire collection in a day or take the whole year to enjoy each unique piece. White Rock's public art helps us learn more about the local history and reflects our culture. Our curated collection is perfect for snapping a photo to post on social media - #WhiteRockPublicArt.
01 / 37
1
Walking on Sunshine
City Public Art Collection
Artists: 134 volunteers led by artist Elizabeth Hollick
Location: 15521 Marine Dr, Terry Parr Plaza
The mosaic steps offer a spot to relax while wandering East Beach. Each step has been decorated using pieces of colourful tile and placed in the pattern of sunshine. The project was coordinated by a group of citizens in partnership with the Peninsula Community Foundation. https://pcfoundation.ca/about/
About the Artist
A White Rock based muralist, painter and draftsman, Elizabeth Hollick studied visual arts in London at the Croydon College of Art and at the St. Martin’s School of Art. She is probably best known for her numerous murals in the town of White Rock. Two of her easel works are in the permanent collection of the Surrey Art Gallery in Surrey, B.C. Her work includes acrylics, fresco, graphite, colored pencil and mixed mediums. Her subjects include portraits, figures, landscapes, animals, birds, humor, whimsy, internal organs, body parts, architecture, and social commentary.
2
Grizlee
City Public Art Collection
Artist: Wong Chen Shei, 1999
Location: East Beach at start of promenade
The four foot granite bear statue was placed by the Slavin family in memory of their son Lee. It is situated at the centre of the roundabout plaza located at the East end of the promenade. Grizlee has become an iconic landmark; regular walkers have to "go round" the bear to complete the end-end promenade route.
About the Artist
Wong Chen Shei, a Chinese stone carver from the Shandong province, was commissioned by Frank Slavin, a stonemason, to carve the bear.
3
Youth Mural
City Public Art Collection
Artists: Semiahmoo Arts Society and Youth Artists, 2018
Location: 15591 Victoria Dr
This mural was put together in order to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the city, Canada's 150th birthday, and by the neighbourhood's request to beautify the city.
About the Artists
The mural was an opportunity for high school artists to learn the art of mural painting from professional artists.
4
The Gift
City Public Art Collection
Artists: Semiahmoo carvers under the guidance of Susan A. Point and Robert Davidson, 1999
Location: 15400 Block Marine Dr
The posts were a gift from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to commemorate the 125th anniversary and honour the relationship between the Se mi ah ma people and the RCMP. They are beautifully situated in the plaza named in honour of The Grand Chief Bernard Charles. A perfect place for a photo or a rest before walking over the hump.
About the Artists
Susan A Point is a descendant of the Musqueam people; she is the daughter of Edna Grant and Anthony Point. Susan inherited the values of her culture and traditions of her people by her mother Edna– who learned by her mother, Mary Charlie-Grant. Her name is highly respected throughout the art world in Canada and internationally. https://susanpoint.com/
Robert Davidson is one of Canada’s most respected contemporary visual artists. A Northwest Coast native of Haida and Tlingit Descent, he is a master sculptor and works in a variety of other media as a printmaker, painter and jeweler. https://www.robertdavidson.ca/
5
Eagle Stamps
Private Public Art Collection
Artist: Unknown
Location: The top of Marine Drive hill
35 stamped eagles and salmon that lead directly to a tree known to be a nesting site for White Rock's eagles. Both male and female eagles will take turns incubating their eggs for a little over a month and then care for their chicks for 10 to 12 weeks. Make sure to come by in the spring to catch sight of a family!
6
Uli's Coastal Landscape
Private Public Art Collection
Artist: "Craver"
Location: 15023 Marine Dr
This mural, which has seen changes over the years, marks the location of Uli's restaurant, a staple on the waterfront that offers West Coast cuisine.
7
Coastal Cradle
City Public Art Collection
Artist: Andy Davies
Location: Memorial Park on Marine Dr
Drawing on the delicate nature of the humblest of plants – the simple blade of grass, Coastal Cradle stands 17' in Memorial Park. These blades, with a droplet of morning dew, evoke the precious and fragile stir of early morning. The suggestion of cradling leads the viewer to a place of tenderness, kindness, and the protection of something sacred. The flowing organic movement of the blades reference the undulating beach, waves, and tidal pools of White Rock. Nestled in these waves is the sun, shining with uplifting brilliance.
About the Artist
Andy Davies is a sculptor of public space. From ephemeral water drawings to public sculpture commissions, Davies adores the politics and personality of the public domain.
8
Metamorphosis
City Public Art Collection
Artist: Joan Adams, 1988
Location: West Beach at Memorial Park
The eight foot stone sculpture of a woman turning into a bird symbolizes growth and transformation and calls the viewer to consider society's spiritual awakening.
About the Artist
Joan Miriam Adams graduated with a degree in sculpture from Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Her work includes those in private and public collections, throughout Canada and the United States. The artist states, "I work within the framework of a very personal mythology, reinterpreting classic mythic images, which are simultaneously personal and universal and have a dream-like quality. I then reshape these images into an artistic reaction to the human condition."
9
Passenger
City Public Art Collection
Artist: Denis Kleine, 2014
Location: 14970 Marine Dr
Standing in front of the historic White Rock Train Station - now the Museum and Archives - Passenger reflects on the significant impact of rail service by bringing visitors to and from the beach community. At its peak, there were 4 passenger trains daily arriving in White Rock from the north and the south but by 1975 all passenger services to White Rock had stopped.
About the Artist
Dennis Kleine is a professional sculptor who resides in Nelson, BC. Though he works primarily with stone and bronze, he also sculpts using sand, snow, and ice. He says about his work, "I enjoy transforming the hard and cold properties of stone and bronze to expose a sense of warmth and calm. The quality, properties and shape of each uncarved block I find are important to my approach. https://deniskleine.ca/
10
Binding Spirit
City Public Art Collection
Artist: Calvin F. Turner, 1988
Location: West Beach along the promenade near Elm Street
This stone sculpture is a symbol of contemplated hope for a more closely knit human community and depicts the spirit that binds us all together.
11
Heroes Mural
City Public Art Collection
Artist: Jim Davidson. 2020
Location: 14935 Victoria Ave, West Beach Parkade
This mural reflects the time during the summer of 2020 as the global pandemic known as COVID-19, disrupted White Rock's beach life. Residents continue to be united in their appreciation for the work of frontline "heroes" including the Province's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, who bravely face a highly contagious disease everyday in their effort to help others.
12
Selfie Stop at the Beach
Private Public Art Collection
Artists: Melanie Watts and Brandy McLean, 2019
Location: 14949 Marine Dr, across from the White Rock Museum and Archives .
Commissioned by the White Rock BIA, this selfie stop is a bright pop of colour along Marine Drive nestled between restaurants and ice cream shops.
13
Infinity Cycle
City Public Art Collection
Artist: Hooman Mehdizadehjafari, 2017
Location: 1163 Marine Dr
This stainless steel sculpture is created in commemoration of the 37th anniversary of the race cycling tour in White Rock called Tour de White Rock. The linear structure of the piece creates a transparent visualization of a cyclist who is riding an infinity symbol. The ironic message of infinity has its roots in the idea of our constant tendency - as humankind - to move forward towards the infinite future.
About the Artist
Hooman Mehdizadehjafari, creator of Hoomanart is an award-winning Iranian-Canadian visual artist and designer based in Vancouver, Canada. He was born in 1985 in Kerman, Iran and graduated from the Tehran University of Art with a Master’s in Sculpture and Painting. https://www.hoomanart.com/about
14
Four Cats Community Mural
City Public Art Collection
Artists: Nina Mudry, Janice Tolkamp and Carling Jackson, Silvan Rusan, and Anna and Kraeg, 2012
Location: 14780 Marine Dr
This four sided mural features art inspired by Norval Morriseau, Vincent Van Gogh, and Claude Monet. It was created in 2012 to celebrate the Spirit of the Sea Festival.
15
Wave Riders
City Public Art Collection
Artist: Michael Binkley, 2002
Location: 14586 Marine Dr, Bayview Park
"Paddle out to new adventures", this installation was placed by the friends and family of Mark Hoggins. Look closely and you will see a kayaker riding the waves holding fast to his paddle.
About the Artist
Based in Vancouver, BC, Binkley has been a professional stone sculptor for over 40 years and maintains his studio and gallery in Squamish, BC. He works in a variety of material, scale, and idiom for his sculptures, drawings and paintings and is widely known for his original stone sculptures.
16
The Welcome
Private Public Art Collection
Artist: Elizabeth Hollick, 2010
Location: 14541 Marine Dr
This colourful mural is located across the façade of a retaining wall on West Beach and was designed to welcome the Olympic flame to White Rock in 2010 during the Winter Olympic Torch relay. See Walking on Sunshine for more about artist Elizabeth Hollick.
17
Hole in the Sky
City Public Art Collection
Artist: Douglas Senft, 2007
Location: 14800 North Bluff Rd
This sculpture by the Douglas Senft represents the marine environment in White Rock. It invites the viewer to imagine the rolling waves of the ocean and crashing surf.
About the Artist
Douglas Senft (1950-2012) was a prolific and respected Canadian sculptor. His public art projects grace sites across Western Canada, the United States and Spain. Douglas also taught sculpture at North Island College.
18
Rostrum
Private Public Art Collection
Artist: Gordon Huether, 2013
Location: 15154 Russell Ave, Miramar Village Plaza
Rostrum, an amphitheater-like installation made of stainless steel and native cedar timbers, takes its aesthetic cue from the landscape and architectural design of the site, a former lumber camp turned residential development. Rostrum’s graceful curves and evocative materials add complexity and beauty within Miramar Village. The spot is perfect for buskers who perform here every Sunday during the Farmer's Market.
About the Artist
Gordon Huether was born in Rochester, NY in 1959 and founded his studio in Napa, California. Projects have included art installations for a variety of spaces including airports, transportation centers, parking garages, and hotels. His work became about communicating a story, not just creating objects of beauty. https://gordonhuether.com/
19
The Meeting
Private Public Art Collection
Artist: Wang Shugang, 2007
Location: 15154 Russell Ave, Miramar Village Plaza
The Meeting was originally exhibited at the 2007 G8 summit meeting in Heiligendamm, Germany and then was part of the Vancouver Biennale in 2014. Wang Shugang noted about his work, “this work intends to depict the contemporary life in China. I am translocating Chinese reality to Canada, showcasing us to them.” His works is influenced by the Western art tradition and realism, while incorporating Buddhist iconography and Chinese culture. According to the artist, “… the colour red has multiple cultural meanings in China, historically representing happiness but during the Cultural Revolution it symbolized terror...red is the colour of the faded lettering praising Mao on the ceilings of the factories, coats of the Buddhist monks and the colour of wedding decorations.”
About the Artist
Wang Shugang is one of the leading contemporary artists in the post-revolutionary breakout period of the mid 1990s, referred to as Cynical Realism. Cynical realism became one of the post popular Chinese contemporary art movements and arose from artists who broke away from the collective mindset of the Cultural Revolution. Since 1991, Shugang’s works are regularly seen in solo exhibitions across China, Europe, Australia, and North America.
20
The Grey Whale Family
Private Public Art Collection
Artist: Robert Wyland, 1984
Location: 1493 Johnston Rd
This mural of a gray whale family accompanied by Pacific bottlenose dolphins is part of the Wyland Walls campaign to increase appreciation for aquatic habitats. The project spans five continents, 17 countries and 79 cities.
About the Artist
Over 40 years ago, marine life artist Wyland exploded on the scene with his rich, majestic murals of marine life. The timing couldn’t have been better – the environmental movement was in full swing and ocean-themed art was in high demand. Today, the art is as vibrant as ever and the message of showcasing the beauty of nature is even stronger. https://www.wyland.com/the-artist/
21
White Rock Beach Beer Company
Private Public Art Collection
Artist: Allan Turton
Location: 15181 Russell Ave
Created by a White Rock artist, Allen Turton, he is the go-to artist for this brewery. You can find his work on both the brewery's window displays and on their beer can labels.
About the Artist
Allan Turton is a local artist who has been painting the town since his arrival in 2017. His work has branched from window painting, to signage, to murals, to beer cans, and has now evolved into building/constructive projects as well. While he was well known in his earlier days as a skateboarding street-artist, Allan is now more selective - focusing on fewer projects of higher quality, thus building stronger relationships in the community for a brighter and more beautiful future in White Rock!
22
The Wonderful Year We Fell in Love
Private Public Art Collection
Artist: Elizabeth Hollick, 2014
Location: 1532 Johnston Rd
The mural pays homage and depicts unforgettable characters from the annual pantomimes. See Walking on Sunshine for more about artist Elizabeth Hollick.
23
Mural, Unknown Title
Private Public Art Collection
Artist: Archer, Date Unknown
Location: 1558 Johnston Road
This hidden mural, next to Oceana Parc will have you feeling nostalgic and inspire you to go out and build sandcastle on the Beach.
About the Artist Archer is a master at capturing different moods and human emotions. Using an airbrush method he achieves a a high level of contract in his work. He travels the world making his mark in Canada and the Caribbean.
24
The Great Blue
Private Public Art Collection
Artists: Jacqueline Metz and Nancy Chew, 2018
Location: 15246 Thrift Ave
The Great Blue is an unexpected, delightful encounter- playful and interactive, a bit theatrical yet reflective too. She reminds us a little of the wonderful signage in our national parks. The artwork is porous enough that each viewer, each person who moves through the artwork, will bring their own reading and interpretation.
About the Artists
Metz and Chew are visual artists who have worked collaboratively since 1997. Their diverse experiences and influences come together to create an art practice that is conceptual yet grounded in place - a practice centered on the public realm, an exploration of place and perception.
25
Swimming Salmon
Private Public Art Collection
Artist: Unknown
Location: 1455 George St
These twelve metal salmon can be found swimming across four gardens in front of the building.
26
False Borders
City Public Art Collection
Artist: Marianne Nicolson, 2024
Location: 15221 Thrift Ave
False Borders uses the division of space to reference the dividing of a previously unified Indigenous space by the colonial layering of the American/Canadian border which you can see from the site location.
About the Artist
Marianne Nicolson is an activist artist of the Musgamakw Dzawada'emuxw First Nations descent, which is part of the Kwakwaka'wakw of the Pacific Northwest. Nicolson is trained in both traditional Kwakwaka'wakw forms and culture and contemporary gallery and museum based practices.
27
Back Alley Bees
Private Public Art Collection
Artist: Jim Davidson, 2022
Location: Behind 1377 Johnston Rd
Created by Jim Davison and two apprentices, Back Alley Bees hides on the back street behind Nomad Gallery, acting as a reward for those who venture out to find it.
28
Elks Lodge Mural
Private Public Art Collection
Artist: Greg Evans-Davies, 2002
Location:1469 George Ave
This large mural is painted on the north wall of Elks Lodge, a volunteer-based non-profit that promotes a sense of community and good fellowship.
29
Blue Frog Studios Mural
Private Public Art Collection
Artist: Elizabeth Hollick
Location: 1328 Johnston Rd
These whimsical frogs sit on the facade of Blue Frog Studios, a VIP live recording theatre in the heart of White Rock. See Walking on Sunshine for more about artist Elizabeth Hollick.
30
A Superfluity
Private Public Art Collection
Artist: Elizabeth Hollick and Laurie MacIsaac, 1998
Location: 15163 Prospect Ave
This shoe themed mural was made in order to celebrate the Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary’s 50 th Anniversary and features shoes such as boots, bunny slippers, cleats, flip flops, and sandals. See Walking on Sunshine for more about artist Elizabeth Hollick.
31
White Rock Travel and Postcards Alley
Private Public Art Collection
Artist: Elizabeth Hollick, 1999
Location: 1472 Johnston Rd
Originally painted on the side of the White Rock Travel building, these murals celebrate cultures all over the world. Postcards joined it ten years later, inspired by Uptown Windows. See Walking on Sunshine for more about artist Elizabeth Hollick.
32
Lifting Hands
Private Public Art Collection
Artist: Say Thanks Surrey, 2020
Location: 15521 Russell Ave, across from Peace Arch Hospital emergency room entrance
This colourful mural was created by the student led initiative, Say Thanks Surrey, during the COVID-19 pandemic to celebrate the hard work of service workers. Students from Earl Marriot, Semiahmoo, and Elgin Park Secondary Schools were all apart of the mural's creation.
33
Stande
City Public Art Collection
Artist: Illarion Gallant, 2019
Location: McCracken Courtyard at the Peace Arch Hospital
Stande is a testament to the selflessness of the White Rock Woman’s Auxiliary and its continued contributions to this community. Starting with its founding members in 1947, the Auxiliary’s pragmatic post-war visionary force coalesced with its civic virtue to raise community support in order to establish a community hospital. The Peace Arch Hospital was realized in 1954. Metaphorically, Stande draws on the form of the pre-contact rain forest that once stood on the hospital site. This imagery highlights the strength, shelter, support and nurturing that these dedicated women believed was necessary for the future growth and success of their community, White Rock.
About the Artist
Victoria British Columbia based, Illarion Gallant has been a practicing professional artist since 1988. He has successfully completed many large scale, site specific, outdoor urban sculpture pieces. http://rusnakgallant.com/art/
34
Mural at the Black Box Theatre
City Public Art Collection
Artist: Richard Tetrault, 2014
Location: 14600 North Bluff Rd
The Centennial Park Arena and Black Box murals were created under the guidance of Richard Tetrault with young community artists. It portrays a variety of culturally based images to showcase the diversity of arts in White Rock and focuses on harmony between art and nature. The buildings are located in Centennial Park including the sports arena and the Black Box Theatre leased by Peninsula Productions.
About the Artist
Tetrault's public murals, whether solo projects, residencies, or international collaborations, delve into contemporary issues, mythologies and events. "Murals can be the catalyst for research into facets of urban life and culture, and the material and themes for the murals, generated through extensive workshops within the community, adds to the resonance of each mural."
35
Spirit Bear
City Public Art Collection
Artist: Elizabeth Hollick, 2006
Location: 14600 North Bluff Rd
The Spirit Bears stand at seven feet tall and were purchased in support of BC Lions Easter Seal Operation and Canucks for Kids Fund. See Walking on Sunshine for more about artist Elizabeth Hollick.
36
Spirit Bear
City Public Art Collection
Artist: Deborah Putman, 2006
Location: 15342 Buena Vista Ave, outside White Rock Library
The Spirit Bears stand at seven feet tall and were purchased in support of BC Lions Easter Seal Operation and Canucks for Kids Fund.
About the Artist
Deborah Putman, a professional visual artist, has exhibited her paintings in Canada and internationally. A graduate of Concordia University in Montreal, she furthered her studies in BC, Nova Scotia, and France.
37
Pieced Together-Canada's Legacy
City Public Art Collection
Artists: Connie Glover and Jasper Macabulos, 2018
Location: 15342 Buena Vista Ave, outside White Rock Library
Managed by the Semiahmoo Mosaic Workshop Society and initiated by the society’s Personal Development Services, the project was commissioned through a federal grant to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary.
About the Artists
Connie Glover is an established ceramic artist. She has exhibited widely and taught for many years in her own studio and at community centres in the Lower Mainland.
Jasper Macabulos is an artist and society support worker at Semiahmoo Mosaic Workshop Society’s Personal Development Services.