New public art is coming to Thickson Road, between Dundas Street and Nichol Avenue. Three art design proposals have been shortlisted by a jury for community input.
Results of the survey, which closed on January 31, will be shared with the three artists for final design revisions and provided to the jury panel to assist in making the final selection. The winning design will be awarded by the end of March with the new public art expected to be installed later in the year.
This new public art is an integral part of a broader, council-approved placemaking initiative to beautify the area and strengthen the identity of this key gateway into Whitby. A variety of commercial establishments, including the Whitby Mall, restaurants, fast-food outlets, grocery stores, retail shops, and service-oriented businesses call this stretch of Thickson Road home, and approximately 22,000 vehicles pass daily, said a town statement.
Artwork Descriptions
Blossoms – honours Whitby’s strong ties to Lake Ontario, featuring a vibrant floral installation along Thickson Road, a historic route to the waterfront. The art display pays an homage to the town’s natural beauty and lakeside heritage, offering space for reflection, community connection and for the residents of Whitby to appreciate blossoms in bloom year round.
Flow – A dynamic series of anamorphic sculptures designed to reflect both the movement of traffic along Thickson Road and Whitby’s natural and urban landscapes. The artwork transitions visually from a continuous wave for drivers into intricate, interconnected elements for pedestrians, symbolizing the unity of the community while celebrating the surrounding conservation areas and rivers.
Flutter – Will transform Thickson Road with four monumental sculptures featuring dynamic clusters of monarch butterflies, crafted from corten and stainless steel. Hovering between realism and abstraction, the sculptures celebrate themes of transformation and renewal while capturing Whitby’s evolving identity and exploring the harmony between nature and urban life.
For more information or to complete the survey, visit connectwhitby.ca/ThicksonArt.