The City of Nelson has welcomed the addition of two striking new sculptures to its public art collection, made possible by the generous donation of Nelson resident Dr. Ken Muth.
Arachnid meets artistry in Gigaspider, a playful sculpture with an environmental message. Previously featured in the 2024 Castlegar Sculpturewalk, Gigaspider, a 10-ft tall sculpture made from old car parts and recycled steel, has found a new habitat on the front lawn of City Hall at 310 Ward Street.
“Gigaspider is a whimsical commentary on our fear of spiders,” notes Simmer in his artist statement. “Most spiders are benign and environmentally important creatures.” Simmer, an Emeritus Librarian at UBC, is known for transforming found materials into imaginative works of art—drawing inspiration from his background in commercial fishing, steel fabrication, and construction, as well as his love of kayaking, sailing, skiing, and hiking.
Dr. Muth’s gift also includes a second sculpture from Castlegar Sculpturewalk, soon to be installed at Lakeside Park. A Song to Mothers by Bonnington-based artist Zen Wang will welcome visitors at the park entrance garden. Depicting a serene mother figure, “the work is a tribute to the nurturing side of the human spirit,” notes Wang. “Mothers are full of hope, love and courage while facing down uncertainty and fear.” Wang, who holds degrees in art and film, comes from a long lineage of Chinese artists, including his grandmother, a celebrated embroiderer, and his grandfather, a sculptor whose tools and books continue to inspire his creative journey.
“These works enrich Nelson’s cultural landscape, offering residents and visitors alike meaningful and inspiring encounters with public art,” said Sydney Black, Chair of the Cultural Development Commission. “We are deeply grateful to Dr. Muth for his generosity in making these additions possible.”
All art donations to the City are reviewed and approved by the City’s Cultural Development Commission and City Council in line with the City of Nelson’s Art in Public Places Policy, which is designed to expand community access to art, raise public awareness, and foster cultural enjoyment.
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