In an effort to create more points of interest across Chatham-Kent, the municipality has unveiled a new sculpture in downtown Chatham.
The latest art piece created by Bothwell native Mike Winia has been installed at Zonta Park. The 13-foot-tall, 4,000-pound wood carving depicts a large version of the Crowfest mascot, nicknamed Russell the Crow.
The sculpture and photo installation was carved entirely by chainsaw out of a CK-grown White Oak tree.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff said the crow sculpture is the first of many large carved installations that will be erected in downtown areas across Chatham-Kent. He said the carvings, which will reflect each community’s history, will be unveiled sometime in the spring or summer of 2025.
“We’re going to have one in each and every community,” said Canniff. “We went to Highgate, Ridgetown, Thamesville and Bothwell, and we met with groups there and said ‘we need you to tell us what do you want here and where do you want it.’ It’s going to be in the downtown areas.”
As well, nine smaller crow sculptures will soon be placed throughout downtown Chatham, each reflecting the business they stand in front of.
“It’s to bring people here. We’re going to be know across Canada and hopefully around the world for the wood carvings,” said Canniff.
All of the new art installations will be funded or through the Councillor Ward Funding Program, which enables councillors or the mayor to apply funds to arts, culture, or recreation projects. The program is sponsored through an annual $1 million contribution from Hydro One.