Exploring the Public Art of Stony Plain

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The Town of Stony Plain is a vibrant community rich in cultural expression and history. A walk through the streets and parks reveals a treasure trove of public art, each piece telling a unique story and offering a glimpse into the town’s spirit and values. Here’s your guide to some of Stony Plain’s most captivating public art installations.

Aboriginal Medicine Wheel (2018)

Located in Heritage Park (5100-41 Avenue), this collaborative masterpiece was created by local potters and youth during the National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration. The wheel, decorated over two years, symbolizes the Circle of Life, the four directions (North, East, South, and West), and the wisdom of animals—the buffalo, eagle, bear, and wolf. This piece, led by Tracie Mandrek with the Parkland Potters' Guild, serves as a vibrant testament to Indigenous culture and community involvement.

Alberta Winter Games Legacy Monument (2012)

Also found at Heritage Park, this massive 26.5-ton boulder is engraved with the lyrics of the 2012 Winter Games song, encapsulating the spirit of athletic achievement and community pride.

Community Street Banners

Throughout the streets of Stony Plain, colorful banners adorn Veterans Boulevard, Downtown, Golf Course Road, and Highway 779. Created by artists Angela Hall, Stephan Garneau, Julia Gibot, and Teagan Jensen, these banners are part of an ongoing Public Art Banner Strategy, infusing the town’s thoroughfares with creativity and local talent.

Enduring Connections (2019)

This striking iron and horseshoe sculpture stands at Heritage Park. Artist Paul Reimer used traditional blacksmithing techniques to forge this piece, representing the strong relationships within the Stony Plain community. Local residents contributed to the project by transforming donated horseshoes into wheatgrass seed pods during forging workshops.

Horse and Rider (1974)

A commemorative fountain located at Red Brick Common (5411-51 Street), this piece by Don Bednar celebrates the RCMP centennial. It depicts a Mountie leading his horse over a stream, blending history with natural beauty.

Magpies (2022)

Artist David Mcauley’s whimsical magpie sculptures are hidden around Stony Plain, each telling a unique story. Finding these hidden gems is an interactive adventure for residents and visitors alike, guided by clues found in a book.

Sheriff Israel Umbach Statue (1997)

Standing tall in Rotary Park (4815-44 Avenue), this six-foot, 400-pound sculpture of Sheriff Umbach was crafted by Shane Repka. Made from scrap metal and bronze, it portrays the sheriff’s legendary act of chaining a train to the tracks to collect overdue taxes from the railroad.

Story Time and Golden Years (2008)

Located at Town Hall (4905-51 Avenue), these statues by Max Turner and Ken Morris symbolize the connection between generations and the sharing of knowledge from old to young. They were commissioned for Stony Plain’s centennial celebrations.

Trifecta (2022)

Found in Oatway Park (50 Oatway Drive), this public art bench by Wendy Siebert combines solid concrete and hand-carved concrete rocks. Its grounding presence invites park-goers to sit, relax, and connect with nature.

We Learn, Grow, and Transform Together (2023)

This vibrant mural, located at the trailhead between Heritage Park and the Stony Plain and Parkland Pioneer Museum, was painted in an Indigenous woodlands flower motif by Angela Hall. Each detail honors growth, transformation, and reconciliation.

Poetry Panels (2020)

Lisa Mulrooney’s poetry panels adorn the gazebo in Rotary Park, capturing the beauty of the four seasons and offering a literary touch to this serene space.

The Wisdom Comes (2024)

Outside the Stony Plain Public Library (5216 50 Street), this upcoming sculpture by Pavlo Bolgaryn features a stylized owl reading a book. Representing the joy of learning, it invites library visitors to sit alongside it and reflect on the pursuit of knowledge.

Stony Plain’s public art is more than decoration; it’s a celebration of its history, diversity, and creative spirit. Each piece invites exploration and connection, making this Alberta town a must-visit destination for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.