Cheryl Andrist's new “Free Spirit” sculpture was officially unveiled May 4.
“Free Spirit” stands at the west entrance of the Souris Valley Aquatic and Leisure Centre. A large crowd turned out to view at the sculpture, and Andrist told them that she was delighted with the turn-out, and pleased to have the project finished.
The black sculpture is in the form of a circle. Inside the circle are two people with their hands extended, standing beneath a sun.
“The concept of the whole piece is the circle, and the circle symbolizes community, all-inclusive activity and creation,” said Andrist. “The sun symbolizes our pure energy.”
She said she also included the sun because of all the hours of sunshine that Estevan receives, and because the sun plays an important role in agriculture.
The people are in an action pose, she said, which symbolizes movement, action, fitness and health. They also represent the inclusiveness that Andrist is trying to promote.
She was initially undecided on which colour to use for the sculpture.
“I finally decided to use black because it represents our two main industries: coal and oil,” said Andrist.
Andrist took her idea for the sculpture to Randy Franke at KRJ Custom Fabricating, who then cut the piece and assembled it. Her husband, Bob, came up with the title for the sculpture. Deciding a name for her artwork is often a difficult process, she said.
Some of her artistic friends also offered their feedback, Andrist said.
She says she has received a lot of positive feedback for "Pure Energy."
The sculpture was commissioned in honour of the opening of Spectra Place.
