Public Artwork

A Million Summers

Blake Williams,  A Million Summers, 1999
Blake Williams,  A Million Summers, 1999
Blake Williams,  A Million Summers, 1999
Blake Williams,  A Million Summers, 1999
Blake Williams,  A Million Summers, 1999
Location:
Surrey Sports and Leisure Aquatic and Fitness Facility, 16555 Fraser Highway , Surrey, BC, Canada
Artwork creator(s): 
Williams, Blake
Text author(s): 
Williams, Blake
Collaborator(s): 
Children from the nearby William Watson Elementary School (drawings of images reproduced on ceramic tiles)
Installation year: 
1999
Remarks on location: 

Fleetwood neighbourhood. 2 panels of tiles located on the wall near the entrance doors, spans the lobby; 4 panels at the end of the pool; 12 glass viewing frames laminated along windows overlooking the garden; 128 tiles, produced by elementary school students, located in the washrooms/change rooms

Description: 

An extensive set of murals and two-dimensional artworks evoke movement and flight, human accomplishment and cultural diversity. Installed at one end of the pool are four large tile murals of diving figures.

Text of the artwork: 

a million summers

forgotten secrets

whispered on ripples

against sand

 

boulder to boulder

gravity gone

garibaldi looming

volcanic heart

receding

 

down

through forests

of peoples ancient

scent of salt

as cedars open

 

granite faces

stacked above

hand holds set

 

Qelesilhp

water goes right by

 

Ta’telew

little creek

 

Xwthexth’exem

always nettle place

 

Setl’amaqemen

tides high we can go

Text theme: 
Water
Artwork theme: 

Sports, health, ambition and achievement, major religions of Surrey’s culturally diverse communities, nature, history.

Note(s): 

Budget: design, fabrication & installation $112,500

Language: English and Sto:lo

Propriétaire(s): 
City of Surrey Public and Community Art Collection
Document(s): 

Public Art Program. Public & Community Art Projects & Locations

Surrey (2008).  Public Art Program. Public & Community Art Projects & Locations. <http://www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation/1650.aspx> : City of Surrey

Public Art : A Million Summers

Williams, Blake (2008).  Public Art : A Million Summers. <http://www.blakewilliams.ca/Public_art.html> : Blake Williams webpage

Portfolio. Public Art

Urban_Art_Management (2008).  Portfolio. Public Art. <http://www.urbanartmanagement.com/portfolio.html> : Urban Art Management