Calgary, AB – Qualico’s master-planned communities feature
unique combinations of architecture, street layouts, entry features, parks and
pathways, and more recently, a growing number of public art installations
taking shape.

In the community of Harmony, Qualico
Communities Calgary teamed up with Bordeaux Developments and Heavy Industries
to hold an art competition and select a design for a second public art piece
for the community. This installation complements the existing artwork at the
entrance of the community. Art and land architecture students were invited to
submit their proposals, and with several stunning entries to choose from, four
finalists were selected.

Ultimately, Gordon Skilling’s “[Re]newal – Profound Cycles” was chosen as
the final design, with prize money being allocated to further his
education. Due to
the high quality of work submitted, however, the rights to the three other
finalists’ designs were also purchased for future use in Harmony.

“As part of the vision for Harmony, public art
was always meant to play a role,” said Emily Smith, Manager, Marketing &
Customer Care, Qualico Communities Calgary. “We have heard only positive things
about the piece from those in the industry, our community partners, Rocky View
Country, council, and the public.”

Installed and officially unveiled in September
of 2019, the installation is located at the north entrance of the community,
close to the lake and future beach club. It is also visible as you drive to the
newly opened Mickelson National Golf Club of Canada (MCGCC), the first world-class
golf course in a Qualico Community.

Gordon’s intent with the piece is to evoke the
themes of lifecycles, with images of grass and water that symbolize the past
and the future. The grass is representative of the heritage and historical
significance of the lands, as one of the first ranching areas in the Springbank
and Calgary area. The water represents the diligence that has been placed into
the community’s water conservation strategy, with its lake and wetlands.

In the centre of the piece, two hands are
passing a rare species of grass, representing a link from the past to the
future. Qualico Communities transplanted the pale blue-eyed grass in Harmony, which
serves to protect the native habitat.

Once installed, it was also discovered that
when the wind blows through the metal slats, it reverberates and creates music,
which, given the name of the community, makes for a very special addition to
the neighbourhood.

“Art has played such a pivotal role in our
communities in the past, and it will continue to do so in the future,” said
Emily. “We do it because it makes our communities different, and it shows our
dedication to the Qualico brand and legacy.”