Water Garden - Public Artwork

Project details

Title of Artwork: Water Garden
Artist: Linda Covit
Location: The Water Cent​re — 25th Ave. S.E. and Spiller Road.
Commissioned by: Utilities and Environmental Protection
Project Completion: 2009

Water Garden was removed from The City of Calgary's public art collection.

While we strive to maintain artworks throughout their designated lifespan, there are exceptional circumstances when a piece may be removed before the end of its lifespan. Water Garden was not functional since 2019 due to complex technical issues, including losing specialized parts and expertise. After consulting with the artist and thoroughly exploring restoration options, the decision was made to deaccession the piece due to these challenges.

Water Garden was decommissioned from the Water Centre in December 2024 and was responsibly recycled.

Concept

Water Garden was a sculptural installation located in the lobby of The City of Calgary Water Centre. This project used water to reflect and celebrate the many services of The City's Water Services department.

Water Garden visually translated the Water Centre's purpose. Upon approaching the building lobby, the viewer was offered a glimpse of the clear glass panels and floating bubbles within. The rhythmic placement of the poles installed at differing angles evoked a wooded grove and referenced nature. The installation embraced the abundance of natural light, offering interplay of light and shadow.

The generous spacing of the elements, the use of clear glass and water and the continuous movement of bubbles contributed to the fluidity and transparency prevalent in the architecture. The juxtaposition of these elements signified the importance of water to all forms of life, and so celebrates The City of Calgary Water Centre.

The artist

Linda Covit was born in Montreal, Canada, where she lives and works. A professional, self-taught visual artist, her site-responsive installations are often concerned with nature and the environment. She has completed public commissions within Canada, the U.S and Japan including a hospital garden installation, peace monument, memorial sculpture fountain and theatre sculpture.

Linda has received grants from the Canada Council, the Japan-Canada fund, the Cirque du Soleil, and the Pollock-Krasner Foundation in New York.

​​​​ ​​​​​​
undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null