The Crescent Park Foundation announces the completion of the Tree Art 2024 project

MOOSE JAW — The Crescent Park Foundation announced the completion of the 2024 Tree Art Project at Crescent Park with an official unveiling at the Moose Jaw Historic Park on October 17.

This year’s artists include Karen Watson, creator of “Tribute to the Snowbirds,” Carly Jaye, creator of “Birds of Crescent Park,” and Sadi-Rose Vaxvick, creator of “Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings.”

Each separate project supported by the foundation requires approval from the City of Moose Jaw and is then confirmed by a decision of the foundation’s board of directors. Current board members include George Patterson, C. F. (Fred) Wigmore, Daily Lennox, Tom Pacy, Jim Dixon, Wendy Gilroy, Gwen Fisher and Barry Seaborn.

The Crescent Park Foundation was established in 1971 by the late Dr. Gerald Parkins and Geoff Hawkins. Consulting with mutual friends, residents developed the idea of ​​creating a fund whose proceeds would be used to improve amenities at Crescent Park.

The foundation’s first major project was funded by a $10,500 grant from the Saskatchewan Heritage Fund. The initial project involved building an entrance to the park at the intersection of Langdon Crescent and Fairford Street East. The design honors Moose Jaw’s history by incorporating a stone archway that originally stood at the entrance to the former King Edward School.

The latest sculpture revealed on October 17 was titled “Grandfather’s Seven Sacred Teachings” and was created within 24 hours by local artist Sadi-Rose Vaxvick. The sculpture was made using a sander and a wood carving attachment and was finished with a dark brown stain.

“I decided to create ‘The Seven Sacred Teachings of Grandfather’ from a Plains (Cree) storytelling perspective,” Vaxvick explained. “My name is Plains Cree (Nêhiyaw) and Saulteaux and I am just reconnecting with my indigenous heritage.”

The addition of sweetgrass references the past, present and future of Crescent Park and symbolizes the eternal teachings of the seven holy grandfathers.

“They (the foundation) wanted the past, present and future of Crescent Park (representative),” she said. “I see and feel the sweet grass throughout Crescent Park and along the Wakamow Valley, and it has always been there in the past, present and always will be there in the future.”

According to her, the brown color is supposed to reflect the connection with the earth from which the tree itself comes.

Vaxvick decided on the subject after learning about her heritage at the University of First Nations in Regina and after graduating from the school’s fine arts program last year. She said the sculpture has healing meaning and includes all seven sacred animals and the meanings they carry. The top of the sculpture is intended to represent the Creator who brought all sacred medicines and teachings to earth, she added.

“Sculpture is meant to heal,” she said. “I hope that when indigenous people come (to the park here), they will feel the atmosphere and atmosphere there. When they learn more about their culture or whatever they want to associate with it, it brings them back to their Native ancestors, their culture, and the way of life and the teachings that come with it.”

Vaxvick’s portfolio and information about her new business, Mihkakwaniy by Sadi-Rose Vaxvick, can be viewed at SadiRoseVaxvick.ca.

Carly Jaye’s website and portfolio can be viewed at CarlyJaye.com. You can learn about Karen Watson and the other artists behind Crescent Park’s wood art designs at MJMAG.ca/Public-Art.

The project was made possible through the generous support of L&I Electric, Tip Top Roofing, Clark’s Supply, Elite Coating Systems Inc., City of Moose Jaw Parks and Recreation staff, and Christa Schweiger and the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery.

To learn more about Crescent Park Foundation Inc., please email us (email protected) or contact any member of the foundation directly. All donations made to the foundation are tax deductible.