The selection process is now underway to pick the artists who applied to decorate one of the 12 salmon sculptures that will placed around Coquitlam this year.
Last month, the city called for visual artists to be part of the Coquitlam 125 legacy project.
And, last week, the municipality got some financial aid to help install the big fish around town — once they are unveiled at the anniversary festival in late July.
The Onni Group has became the first sponsor of the public art project, handing over $5,000 to the city to see one of the fibreglass fish permanently fixed at city hall.
For its contribution, Onni will receive a plaque on site plus recognition at the Kaleidoscope festival, at Coquitlam Town Centre Park on July 23 and 24.
City officials are now asking for other businesses and groups to follow Onni’s lead: Town Centre Park, Coquitlam Public Library, Coquitlam Crunch and other park locations are open for sponsorship opportunities. To apply, visit coquitlam125.ca/salmon.
The Coquitlam salmon — similar to the Spirit Bear and orca public art projects in Vancouver a number of years back — were made by Squamish Nation artist Jody Broomfield.
The artists or art teams chosen to handpaint them will be announced in mid-April.
