Skip to content

Here's why the mosaic at Squamish’s Stan Clarke Park is taped off

The much-loved art piece is one of several undergoing a facelift.
mosaicalyssa-noel
The mosaic by Stan Clarke Park is taped off as it undergoes restoration.

If you've strolled by Stan Clarke Park recently, you might have noticed the mosaic embedded in the sidewalk has been cordoned off.

Turns out, there's good reason for that tape.

The public art piece—officially called Sky Watching Mosaic Project but more commonly referred to as Rainbow Mosaic—is getting a little facelift after nearly 25 years on the ground.

"The mosaic has suffered some inevitable damage from weather, foot and bike traffic, and park maintenance equipment over the years," District of Squamish spokesperson Rachel Boguski said, in an email.

"The restoration of the piece has included retiling and regrouting. Over the course of the work, the conservation team has observed a great love for the art piece from the community."

Artist Glen Andersen created the piece between 1998 and 1999, along with 15 students. The group asked local businesses, families, individuals and organizations to purchase mosaic tiles to help with the project. The blue tiles are from social groups; green are from families, yellow is government, orange is business, and red is individuals.

Together, the tiles create images of wildlife, mountains, and other local scenes.

Last year, Squamish Arts and the District wrapped up a project that mapped, assessed and took inventory of all of Squamish’s public art.

The mosaic is one of six pieces that have been part of conservation work as a result.

Up next is Hugo Franca's piece called Living Trees at the Smoke Bluffs Playground. 

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks