Look Up, Down and All Around on North Surrey's Public Art Walk

Stop 1 - Launch Artist: David Robinson Location: Civic Hotel Launch, a striking sculpture suspended from the ceiling, greets visitors as they enter the lobby. Combining the solid weight of stone—a traditional European medium—with the form of a wooden canoe, the piece captures a delicate tension between the ancient, skeletal shape of the vessel and the unyielding passage of time pulling against it. Insider Tip Each of the Civic Hotel’s 16 floors represents a different region of British Columbia, stretching from the Peace River in the northwest to the heart of Metro Vancouver. Every room is named after a city or landmark within that region and features images that reflect its local character. This unique installation is only accessible to hotel guests—offering an exclusive way to explore the province, one floor at a time.

Stop 2 - Together Artist: Sophie Nielsen and Rolf Knudsen Location: City Hall Surrey’s City Hall features a public artwork inspired by the theme of democracy. The lead artists drew on the collective behaviour of animals—particularly how they work together to survive—as the foundation for the piece. Proposal drawings for the artwork have sparked comments from viewers, many of whom see the image of flying birds as a universal symbol of freedom.

Stop 3 - Terracotta Warriors Location: Surrey City Centre Library Just inside the entrance of Surrey Centre Library, two terracotta soldiers stand side by side — a cultural gift from Xi’an, China. These figures are part of a vast army of thousands dating back to the late 200s BCE. Discovered in 1974 by local farmers in Lintong County near Xi’an, the Terracotta Army was created to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. Stop 4 - Marks Artist: Liz Magor Location: Surrey City Centre Library (third floor) Installed on the third floor of City Centre Library, Marks is a group of four black silicone sculptures that resemble punctuation marks when viewed from above. At ground level, they appear abstract, inviting visitors to move among them and become part of the library’s narrative—a shared space for solitary acts like reading, studying, and reflection. Soft and warm to the touch, the sculptures bear subtle impressions of human bodies, symbolizing the diverse stories and presence of the community they represent. Stop 4 - Marks Take a short stroll across Civic Plaza to the Surrey Central Skytrain Station – the entrance is at the corner of Central Avenue and City Parkway – and then look to the ceiling for your next art piece.

Stop 5 The Sea Captain Artists: Marianne Nicolson & John Livingston Location: Surrey Central Skytrain Station This large wooden sculpture, The Sea Captain, was inspired by a 19th-century Haida pipe carved by an unnamed master. It reflects how Indigenous artists of the Pacific Northwest portrayed colonial figures they encountered through trade. Reimagining this imagery, the sculpture explores the history of travel and immigration through an Indigenous lens. With arms outstretched in a gesture of giving or receiving, the figure symbolizes the ongoing relationship between newcomers, Indigenous peoples, and the land—rooted in peaceful and respectful exchange. Insider Tip Hop on the SkyTrain for a quick ride to King George Station, then cross King George Boulevard to Holland Park to continue the North Surrey Public Art Walk.

Stop 6 Underfoot yet Overhead Artist: Karen Kazmer Location: Skytrain Pillars in Holland Park The Holland Park “Underfoot Yet Overhead” series draws inspiration from soil bacteria that decompose organic matter, returning nutrients and enabling new growth. Mounted on SkyTrain pillars, the colourful metal sculptures abstractly evoke these microbial forms, making the unseen processes beneath our feet vividly visible above. Insider Tip Holland Park offers a verdant escape from the bustling city centre, serving as a gathering place for thousands each year. Since opening in 2008, it has hosted Surrey’s Olympic celebrations, music festivals, and the Fusion Festival, making it a vibrant hub for community events amid a tranquil, green setting. Stop 7 Floraforms & Seeds of Change Artist: Bruce Voyce Location: Holland Park Throughout Holland Park, a series of large-scale metal sculptures inspired by flowers, leaves, seeds, and seedpods evoke edible and medicinal plants with deep significance in First Nations cultures. Titled “Seeds of Change,” these delicate yet striking forms harmonize the urban and natural realms, symbolizing the ongoing transformation and growth of our community. Stop 8 Were It Not For You Artist: Glen Anderson Location: Holland Park A three-panel low relief sculpture adorns the central fountain wall in Holland Park, rendered in a joyful Art Nouveau style with hints of Asian ornamentation. Depicting the five elements—earth, air, fire, water, and space—the panels feature symbols like a curling fern frond, hummingbird, sun, and fish among flowing waves. This vibrant piece celebrates the life force and beautifully complements the park’s other nature-inspired artworks. Be sure to stop and admire the “blooming river“—a stunning water feature and floral installation that flows from the central plaza toward King George Boulevard. Its large seasonal planters appear to “float” gracefully on the water, creating a vibrant, ever-changing display. Stop 9 Pebble Mosaics Artist: Glen Anderson Location: Holland Park Pebble mosaic panels featuring mandala, wheel, and floral designs decorate walls and walkways in Holland Park. The largest, Dahlia, at the King George plaza entrance, celebrates the mandala’s symbolism of circle, community, and connection. Reflecting Surrey’s rich diversity—with over 45% visible minorities and 95+ languages spoken—these artworks honor the city’s vibrant multicultural spirit.